What Is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?

China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows citizens from 55 countries to stay in designated areas for up to 10 days without applying for a visa in advance. This means you can land at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, walk through immigration with minimal paperwork, and spend up to six full days exploring Hangzhou and the surrounding Zhejiang province.

The policy is perfect for long layovers, stopover travelers, or anyone who wants a quick yet immersive taste of China without the visa application process. It's one of the best-kept secrets in travel — and I've helped hundreds of travelers make the most of it.

Am I Eligible?

The policy covers citizens of 53 countries including: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, all EU / Schengen Area countries, Switzerland, Norway, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, and many more.

Key requirements: Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity. You must have a confirmed onward ticket (flight/train) to a third country or region — not back to where you came from. You must arrive and depart from one of the approved ports in Zhejiang Province (Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport is the most common).

How to Prepare Before Your Trip

Step 1: Book a flight that arrives in Hangzhou and departs to a third country within 144 hours (10 days). Step 2: Fill out the入境登记卡 (Arrival Card) on the plane or at immigration. Mark 'Transit' as your purpose of visit. Step 3: At immigration, present your passport, boarding pass, and hotel booking confirmation. The officer will issue a temporary stay permit — keep it safe, you'll need it when you depart.

Pro tip: Have a printed copy of your itinerary and hotel booking ready. While not required, it speeds things up considerably. I always prepare these documents for my guests in advance.

Top Things to Do in 6 Days

With 6 days, you can experience the best of Hangzhou and beyond. Here's a suggested itinerary:

Day 1 — Arrival & West Lake: After landing and clearing immigration, take a relaxing boat ride on West Lake, visit Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic views, and stroll along the Su Causeway. Evening: enjoy a traditional Hangzhou dinner — don't miss Dongpo Pork and West Lake Vinegar Fish.

Day 2 — Spiritual & Ancient: Visit Lingyin Temple, one of China's most significant Buddhist monasteries, and explore the Feilai Peak grottoes with their thousand-year-old stone carvings.

Day 3 — Tea Culture: Hike through the Longjing (Dragon Well) tea villages, visit a local tea plantation, and taste China's most famous green tea straight from the source. The tea fields are stunning — bring your camera.

Day 4 — Water Town: Take a day trip to Wuzhen or Nanxun, ancient water towns with canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture that feel like stepping into a Chinese painting.

Day 5 — Grand Canal & Local Life: Explore the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (UNESCO World Heritage), walk through the historic Xiaohe Street, and visit the bustling Damalong market for an authentic taste of local life.

Day 6 — Moganshan or Departure: If your flight allows, take a morning hike in the Moganshan bamboo forest. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, pick up last-minute souvenirs, and head to the airport.

Why Hire a Private Guide?

Navigating a new country with a 6-day window can be overwhelming. Here's why a private guide makes all the difference: No wasted time figuring out transport or directions. Cultural insights you won't find in any guidebook. Flexible itinerary that adapts to your interests and energy levels. Visa paperwork handled — I ensure everything is in order at immigration. Access to hidden gems that most tourists never see.

As an official docent at the Zhejiang Provincial Museum and a licensed bilingual guide with 2+ years of guiding experience, I don't just show you the sights — I help you understand the stories behind them.

Packing Tips for Hangzhou

Spring (Mar-May): Light layers, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes. Summer (Jun-Aug): Lightweight clothing, sun protection, hat, water bottle. Autumn (Sep-Nov): Long sleeves, a medium jacket, comfortable shoes for hiking. Winter (Dec-Feb): Warm coat, gloves, scarf — it can get chilly near the water.

Year-round essentials: Comfortable walking shoes (you'll thank me), a reusable water bottle, power bank for your phone, small umbrella or rain jacket, and your passport with the transit permit.

Pricing & What's Included

All tours start at $210 per vehicle (up to 4 guests) for a full day, with airport pickup and drop-off included. The price covers:

• Private English/Chinese bilingual guide service • Comfortable SUV with A/C and bottled water • Airport pickup and drop-off at Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) • Flexible itinerary adjustments to match your flight schedule • Museum docent explanations at Zhejiang Provincial Museum — included at no extra cost

Entrance fees, meals, and gratuities are not included unless specified. Payment is via PayPal or Wise — a deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due on tour day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping hundreds of transit travelers navigate the 240-hour policy, here are the most common pitfalls:

✗ Mistake 1: Leaving Zhejiang Province. The 240-hour policy restricts you to Zhejiang Province. You cannot visit Shanghai, Beijing, or other regions under this policy.

✗ Mistake 2: Flying back to where you came from. Your onward ticket must go to a third country — not back to your origin.

✗ Mistake 3: Not printing your documents. Digital copies are accepted, but printed hotel bookings and flight confirmations speed up immigration significantly.

✗ Mistake 4: Overstaying. Your 240-hour window is calculated from midnight after arrival, not from the moment you land. Always double-check your departure time.

✗ Mistake 5: Going without a guide. A private guide handles airport pickup, logistics, and navigation — giving you maximum time to enjoy Hangzhou instead of figuring things out.