Am I eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit?

Generally you need: a valid ordinary passport of an eligible country (the official list has grown to 57 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Russia, Brazil and more); a confirmed connecting ticket with fixed dates and itinerary to a third country or region; and entry through a designated port such as Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Eligibility is determined solely by Chinese immigration authorities — always check the latest official rules before travel.

What documents must I carry for the transit visit?

Your valid ordinary passport plus a confirmed onward ticket (fixed dates and itinerary) to a third country or region. No advance visa application is needed if you qualify. Keep your airline itinerary handy — border officers may ask to see your onward travel plan.

Where can I go with entry through Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport?

The permitted activity area for entry at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is Zhejiang Province. That covers Hangzhou city, Wuzhen and Xitang water towns, tea villages, and other Zhejiang destinations. You may stay up to 240 hours (10 days).

Can I do a proper tour with my luggage during transit?

Yes. You clear immigration with your luggage and our private driver meets you at arrivals, stores the bags in a private vehicle, and gets you straight into the city. No train or taxi juggling during a short window — luggage is handled for you all day.

How should I plan timing for a layover in Hangzhou?

Work backwards from your departure: allow generous buffers for immigration on arrival, city traffic, security and boarding on departure. A classic West Lake day fits comfortably from about 8 hours on the ground; shorter windows work with a compressed route planned around your exact flight times.

What is the best 10-day route if I have the full 240 hours?

A natural Zhejiang itinerary: Hangzhou (West Lake, Lingyin, tea villages, museums) for 3-4 days, Wuzhen water town overnight, Xitang, then Shaoxing or a Qiandao Lake escape, finishing back in Hangzhou before your flight. We tailor the route to your pace and interests.

Is the 240-hour visa-free policy the same as 144 hours?

Since 17 December 2024, the previous 72/144-hour transit stays were unified and extended to 240 hours (10 days) at designated ports, with more ports and a larger permitted area. Always confirm the current rules with the National Immigration Administration before you travel.

Free 240-Hour Visa-Free Guide for Hangzhou

This guide is a plain-language companion to China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, written by the team behind Hangzhou Wonder Tours — a fully licensed local operator (License No. L-ZJ-GJ00017) that plans transit itineraries through Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) every week. Use it to check whether you qualify, what to carry, and how to spend your time in Zhejiang. It is practical planning information only — eligibility is decided by Chinese immigration authorities.

1. Do You Qualify? The Quick Checklist

Valid ordinary passport of an eligible country
Confirmed connecting ticket — fixed dates and itinerary, transiting to a third country or region
Entry via a designated port — Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport qualifies
Stay within the permitted area — for HGH entry, Zhejiang Province
Stay no longer than 240 hours (10 days)
Eligible country — the official list has expanded to 57 countries (US, UK, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Australia and more)

Not sure? Send us your passport country and flight itinerary on WhatsApp +86 15347723823 and we will give you a straight answer on what we can plan.

2. What to Carry

Passport — valid ordinary passport, valid for your travel period
Onward ticket — printed or digital confirmation showing your route to the third country
Itinerary / hotel booking — handy if border officers ask about your plans
Arrival card — you will normally complete one at the airport (your guide can help)

3. Entering Through Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH)

HGH is about a 30–40 minute drive from West Lake, with direct metro and taxi links. Your private guide meets you after immigration, at the arrivals exit, with a name sign, stores your luggage in a private vehicle, and takes you straight into the city. For a layover, having someone manage timing and bags on the ground is the difference between a relaxed day and a stressful one.

4. How to Spend Your 240 Hours (Route Ideas)

8–10 Hours

West Lake boat & causeways, local lunch, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea tasting — the classic Hangzhou day, comfortably fitted around your flights.

2–3 Days

Add tea-village hikes, Zhejiang museums, the Grand Canal area, and an evening at Wuzhen water town — depth without rushing.

5–10 Days

A full Zhejiang loop: Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Xitang, Shaoxing, Qiandao Lake — all within the permitted activity area, tailored to your pace.

5. Timing Tips for a Smooth Layover

Work backwards from departure — allow buffers for immigration, traffic, security and boarding
Book tours with flexible routes — we adjust in real time if your flight is delayed
Arrive at the airport early — international departures recommend 3 hours before the flight
Keep your onward ticket reachable — you may be asked to show it at immigration

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 240 hours the same as 144 hours? Since 17 December 2024, the old 72/144-hour stays were unified and extended to 240 hours (10 days) at designated ports. Rules continue to evolve — check the National Immigration Administration's latest announcement before travelling.

Can we stay overnight during transit? Yes — we add a centrally located hotel (near West Lake or the airport) to any transit itinerary, with breakfast and transfers on request.

What if I do not qualify? You would need a standard Chinese visa. We can still plan your itinerary and help you understand the visa process — just ask.

Is this guide a substitute for official rules? No. It summarises the policy as officially published for convenience. Chinese immigration authorities make the final decision at the border.

Want this tailored to your exact flight? Message us on WhatsApp +86 15347723823, WeChat chinawondertours, or email [email protected] — free itinerary and written quote, usually within 2 hours. Your direct contact is Alice (English & Chinese).