China Visa Free Cities and Regions – Visit Major China Destinations Without Visa
Are you finding it difficult to obtain a visa for Beijing or Shanghai in China? You’ve come to the right place! Taking advantage of China’s various visa-free policies is a great way to enjoy a trip to China without the hassle of obtaining a visa, saving you time, money, and energy on paperwork before your departure.
China currently offers transit visa exemptions (TWOV), visa-free entry, and special visa waiver programs in different cities and regions. By meeting the necessary requirements, you can enjoy a quick and convenient entry into China without needing a visa.
Popular tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu are now welcoming international transit travelers to enjoy a visa-exempt layover tour for 1 to 6 days (240 hours). You can easily explore downtown sights and visit iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and Giant Pandas. Additionally, Hong Kong and Macau SARs (Special Administrative Regions) and Hainan Province offer direct visa-free stays for certain visitors for up to a month.
If you’re looking for the best city for a visa-free visit, follow us to discover the perfect destination that matches your travel plans.
China Visa-free Destinations
China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Cities
Many cities in China offer 24-hour visa-free direct transit, making travel more convenient for visitors. Even more advantageous is the fact that over 20 provinces and cities now provide a 240-hour transit visa exemption to nationals from over 50 foreign countries. Below, we have listed some of the main tourist destinations in China that foreigners may transit through. For a more detailed introduction or to confirm if a city fits your visa-free travel needs, please contact us.
Beijing – A Gateway to Great Walls of China
Entry Ports (2): Beijing Capital International Airport; Beijing Daxing International Airport;
Highlights: Great Wall Hiking, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutongs
Beijing, the illustrious capital of China, is renowned for its distinctive Chinese imperial characteristics and boasts the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country, with a total of 7 properties. A visit to the Great Wall of China typically commences in Beijing, showcasing the city’s historical significance. The Beijing Capital Airport now operates approximately 35,000 flights to 145 overseas cities spanning 68 countries and regions, solidifying its status as a major international hub.
Shanghai – The Oriental Paris to Meet Eastern-Western Culture
Entry Ports (3): Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Word Financial Center, Nanjing Road
Shanghai stands as the largest and most prosperous city in mainland China, boasting a vibrant and fashionable atmosphere that epitomizes modern Chinese culture. This international metropolis serves as a bustling hub for travelers looking to explore the nearby cities of Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Huangshan in Eastern China. With Shanghai Pudong Airport offering connections to over 110 cities in 48 foreign countries, the city serves as a gateway to the world. Additionally, Shanghai hosts numerous weekly flights to Hong Kong, making it a convenient destination for international travelers. For those seeking a more leisurely mode of travel, international cruises often dock in Shanghai before continuing on to destinations such as South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore.
Xian – Ancient Capital & Home of Terracotta Warriors
Entry Port (1): Xian Xianyang International Airport
Highlights: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell & Drum Tower, Shaanxi History Museum, Hanyangling Museum
Xian, located in central-northwest China, is renowned as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Today, it stands as a top cradle of China’s civilization, having been the capital of 13 different regimes throughout history. This vibrant city has also become a popular international tourist destination, boasting six World Heritage properties, including the famous Terracotta Warriors of the First Qin Emperor.
During your visit to Xian, you will have the opportunity to explore not only the city itself but also its neighboring former capital, Xianyang. These two cities offer a glimpse into authentic Chinese ancient prosperity and old-time society livings through their ancient ruins, historic sites, and delicious local snacks.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Xian and Xianyang as you wander through the ancient streets and marvel at the architectural wonders that have stood the test of time. Don’t miss the chance to sample the popular local snacks that have been enjoyed by generations of residents. Your visit to Xian and Xianyang will be a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for China’s fascinating past.
Guangzhou – Door to Guangdong-HK-Macau Greater Bay Area
Entry Port (2): Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Nansha Port (Cruise)
Highlights: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Guangzhou Tower, Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall, Shamian Island
Guangzhou, the bustling capital city of Guangdong Province situated in the Pearl River Delta, stands as a vibrant international business hub and a major transportation center in Southern China. Renowned for hosting the annual Canton Fair and serving as a symbol of economic prowess, Guangzhou boasts a rich history with ancient ruins and revolutionary sites juxtaposed against modern developments.
Immerse yourself in the distinctive Lingnan culture and savor the delectable flavors of Cantonese cuisine in this dynamic city. Notably, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport serves as the exclusive port for 240-Hour Visa-free Transit passengers, offering access to approximately 200 international air routes connecting to 91 cities across 52 countries. Experience the allure of Guangzhou as it seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a taste of China’s diverse offerings.
Shenzhen – China’s Silicon Valley & Neighbor of Hong Kong
Entry Port (1): Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Shekou Port (Cruise)
Highlights: Window of the World, China Folk Culture Village, Happy Valley, Dafen Oil Painting Village
Shenzhen stands as a shining example of China’s successful Reform and Opening policy, being the first Special Economic Zone in the country. This vibrant city is renowned for its technological advancements and innovative spirit, serving as the headquarters for industry giants such as Tencent, Huawei, ZTE, DJI, and BYD. Additionally, Shenzhen plays a crucial role as a gateway between Hong Kong and mainland China.
Shenzhen Bao’an Airport has established connections with approximately 60 international destinations across the globe, making it a convenient hub for travelers. For those looking to explore both Shenzhen and Hong Kong without the need for a visa, a stopover tour in Shenzhen is the perfect solution. By taking advantage of the nine designated exit ports in Shenzhen, travelers can seamlessly transition to Hong Kong and experience the best of both cities.
Chengdu – Home of the Giant Pandas
Entry Port (1): Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Highlights: Chengdu Giant Panda Tour, Mt. Qingcheng, Kuanzhai Alley, Wenshu Yuan Monastery, Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street, Sichuan Cuisine, Sichuan Opera
Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, is renowned as the hometown of Pandas and serves as the gateway to Jiuzhaigou Valley and other destinations in Sichuan. It is also a vital transportation hub in Southwestern China. A visit to Chengdu is incomplete without embarking on a China Panda Tour, which is a must-do for every visitor to the city.
For those with a 10-day layover in Chengdu, there is ample time to immerse oneself in the leisurely lifestyle of the city, indulge in the spicy delights of Sichuan cuisine, admire the intricate beauty of Sichuan embroidery, explore the rich cultural and historical sites, and even embark on a challenging trek up the renowned Taoist mountain, Qingcheng.
With so much to see and do in Chengdu, visitors are sure to have a memorable and enriching experience that will leave them with a deep appreciation for the city’s unique charm and cultural heritage.
Guilin – Hideaway in Idyllic Beauty
Entry Ports: Guilin Liangjiang Airport
Highlights: Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Biking, Longsheng Rice Terrace, Feed Flute Cave…
Located in Guangxi, Guilin is renowned worldwide for its stunning Karst scenery and picturesque countryside. During a 72-hour stopover tour in Guilin, visitors are highly encouraged to experience the breathtaking Li River Cruise, embark on a Yangshuo Biking adventure, or relax amidst the beautiful rice terraces in Longsheng. Travelers can easily access Guilin by flying from Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Bangkok, and other cities in South and Southeast Asia.
Harbin – Eastern Moscow & City of Ice and Snow
Entry Ports: Harbin Taiping Airport
Highlights: Ice and Snow World, Yabuli Ski Resort, Zhongyang Pedestrian Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral…
Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province, is a bustling transportation hub in Northeastern China. Known as the “Ice City,” Harbin is a highly sought-after winter destination where visitors can enjoy skiing, marvel at large-scale and lifelike ice sculptures, admire buildings in Baroque style, and immerse themselves in a real-life Frozen world experience. Harbin Airport offers flights to various international destinations, including South Korea, Japan, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam, with a focus on Southeast Asia and North America.
Chongqing – Mountain City for Yangtze River Cruise
Entry Port (1): Chongqing Jiangbei Airport
Highlights: Three Gorges Museum, Hongya Cave, Ciqikou
Chongqing is a prominent national modern manufacturing industrial base located to the west of Chengdu. Known as the “Mountain City,” it is famous for its spicy hotpot cuisine. Additionally, Chongqing serves as the starting point for Yangtze River Cruises, offering the best opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of China’s Three Gorges.
While in Chongqing, visitors can explore downtown Chaotianmen, indulge in the city’s renowned spicy hotpot, and easily access nearby World Heritage sites such as Dazu and Wulong. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, a downstream cruise along the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River is also a fantastic option.
Xiamen – Beautiful Coastal City with Gulangyu Island
Entry Ports (3): Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Xiamen Port Cruise
Highlights: Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, Zhongshan Road Walking Street
Xiamen, located in Fujian Province, is a Special Economic Zone city known for its World Cultural Heritage site – Gulangyu Island. The city boasts a comfortable climate, fresh air, picturesque island scenery, and the title of “Most Romantic Leisure City” in China. Xiamen warmly welcomes both air and cruise tourists to experience its charm and light-hearted atmosphere. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to take a Hakka Tulou Tour from Xiamen.
Tianjin – The Biggest Harbor City in Northern China
Entry Ports (2): Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port
Highlights: Huangyaguan Great Wall, Five Great Avenues, Ferris Wheel-Eye of Tianjin, Italian Style Street
Tianjin is one of the four direct-controlled municipalities in China, bordering Beijing and Hebei Province. The city has a rich history of canal transport and continues to serve as a vital port in Northern China.
During your 24-hour layover, I highly recommend taking a quick visit to the Huangyaguan Great Wall, exploring the western-style architecture, and visiting other major attractions in Tianjin. Afterward, you can transfer to Beijing to delve into the profound capital city with over 3,000 years of history.
Kunming – Spring City in Colorful Yunnan
Entry Port (1): Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Highlights: Stone Forest, Green Lake (Cui Hu), Gragon Gate, Flower & Birds Market
Situated on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in Southwestern China, Kunming stands as the capital city of Yunnan Province. It serves as a crucial gateway to South and Southeast Asia for China, earning the nickname of the “Spring City” due to its pleasant climate year-round. Additionally, Kunming is a popular transportation hub for travelers heading to destinations such as Dali and Lijiang.
During a layover in Kunming, visitors have the opportunity to explore the renowned Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site known for its unique Karst formations. Alternatively, one can stroll around Green Lake to observe local daily life or venture to an ethnic village to experience the rich and diverse minority cultures that call the region home.
Qingdao – City of Sail & Tsingtao Beer
Entry Ports (2): Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO), Qingdao Port
Highlights: Qingdao Beer Museum, Laoshan Scenic Area, Olympic Sailing Center, May Fourth Square, Zhaoqian Pier, Golden Beach, Qingdao Catholic Church
Qingdao is a charming coastal city and the sailing capital of China, renowned for its world-famous beer. Located on the east coast of Shandong Province, Qingdao boasts stunning seaside views, unique architecture, and a variety of themed museums dedicated to wine, film, Olympic sailing, tobacco, and more. A visit to Qingdao would not be complete without sampling the delicious Tsingtao Beer, known for its exceptional taste. These attractions make Qingdao a must-see destination for international visitors.
Changsha – the Gateway City to Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Qingdao Beer Museum, Laoshan Scenic Area, Olympic Sailing Center, May Fourth Square, Zhaoqian Pier, Golden Beach, Qingdao Catholic Church
Changsha, the capital city of Hunan Province, is renowned for its historical sites such as the Mawangdui Tomb of the Han Dynasty. It also serves as a major transportation hub in China. Many tourists choose to travel from Changsha to popular destinations such as Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and other attractions within Hunan.
Travelers have the convenience of flying to and from Changsha from various international cities including Mandalay, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Bangkok, Frankfurt, Osaka, Singapore, Tokyo, and more.
Popular China Visa Free Transit Areas
According to the regulations of China’s Visa-Free Transit Policy, transit tourists are allowed entry from specific cities within the designated region. Once granted entry, tourists can visit the city they arrive in directly and transfer to other cities within the designated administrative areas. Additionally, tourists have the freedom to choose any port for entry or exit without any restrictions.
Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei(Jing-Jin-Ji Region)
Entry Ports (5):
Beijing – 2, Tianjin – 2, Hebei – 2
Movement Areas: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei Province
Recommended Travel Routes:
Beijing → TianJin → Beijing
Beijing → Chengde (Hebei)
Beijing → Tianjin
Tianjin → Beijing
Tianjin → Beijing → Tianjin
Popular Tour Packages:
3 Days Beijing Tour from Tianjian
4 Days Beijing to Tianjin Layover Tour
5 Days Essence Tianjin Beijing Tour
Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang (Yangtze River Delta)
Entry Ports (7):
Shanghai – 5, Hangzhou – 1, Nanjing – 1, Ningbo – 1
Movement Areas: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing..
All Cities in Zhejiang & Jiangsu
Recommended Travel Routes:
Shanghai → Hangzhou
Shanghai→Hangzhou/Suzhou→Shanghai
Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou
Popular Yangtze River Delta Tours:
5 Days Yangtze River Delta Tour
5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Tour
4 Days Shanghai Suzhou Excellent Tour
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Jieyang (Guangdong Province)
Entry Ports (5):
Guangzhou-1, Shenzhen-1, Jieyang-1
Movement Areas: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, All Cities in Guangdong
Recommended Travel Routes:
Guangzhou → Shenzhen
Guangzhou→Foshan→Guangzhou
Guangzhou → Foshan → Shunde → Guangzhou
Popular Guangdong Tours:
4 Days Guangzhou Shenzhen Trip
4 Days Foshan Guangzhou Tour
6 Days Best of Guangdong Tour
Shenyang-Dalian(Liaoning Province)
Entry Ports (3):
Shenyang – Shenyang Taoxian Airport
Dalian – Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport, Dalian Port (Cruise)
Movement Areas: Shenyang, Dalian, All Cities in Liaoning
Recommended Travel Routes:
Shenyang → Dalian
Dalian → Shenyang
Popular Dalian Tours:
2 Days Essence of Dalian Tour
3 Days Dalian City Break
5 Visa-Free Regions in China – Direct Entry Without Visa
In addition to the transit visa-free cities and areas mentioned above, there are five regions where direct entry is permitted without the need for a transit route. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions based on nationality, mode of transportation, and group size.
Duration of Stay: 7 days – 180 days
Top Places to Visit: Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Lantau Island, HK Disneyland, Repulse Bay
Duration of Stay: 14 days – 1 year
Top Places to Visit: Ruins of St. Paul’s, Macau Tower, Macau Museum, A-Ma Temple
Duration of Stay: 144 hours (6 days)
Destinations: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Shunde, Jiangmen, total 10 cities in PRD
Duration of Stay: 30 days
Destinations: Sanya, Haikou, Any City in Hainan Province
Entry Ports: Shanghai – 2 (Shanghai Port & Wusongkou International Cruise Terminals)
Duration of Stay: 15 days at most
Destinations: Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Xiamen, Hainan,… (3 cities & 8 provinces in coast area)
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