China's 240-Hour Transit Visa: How to Maximize Your 10 Days
China's 240-hour transit visa-free policy allows travelers from 55 countries to spend up to 10 days in China without a visa. This is perfect for adding a China stopover to your Asia trip. Here's how to maximize it.
Eligibility and Requirements
- 55 eligible countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea
- Onward ticket required — Must have a confirmed ticket to a third country
- Entry/exit ports — Must enter and exit through designated ports in the same region
- Passport validity — At least 6 months remaining
10-Day Itinerary Ideas
- Beijing + Xi'an — Great Wall + Terracotta Warriors (high-speed rail connects them in 4.5 hours)
- Shanghai + Hangzhou — Modern China + West Lake (1 hour by train)
- Guangzhou + Shenzhen — Food capital + tech city (30 minutes by train)
- Chengdu + Chongqing — Pandas + 3D city (1.5 hours by train)
How to Apply at the Border
Pro Tip: No advance application needed. Just show your passport, onward ticket, and hotel reservation at the transit visa counter at the airport. Processing takes 10-20 minutes. It's free.
Important Restrictions
Warning: You cannot travel outside the permitted region. For example, if you enter in Beijing, you can visit Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei — but not Shanghai. Plan your route within one region.
Related Guides
- China Visa-Free Entry: Complete Guide for 55 Countries
- Beijing 3-Day Itinerary: The Perfect First-Timer Guide
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