Can I Fly into Shanghai and Visit Hangzhou?

Yes — and this is one of the most common questions I get. Under China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, you can fly into Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), take advantage of the transit policy, and travel to Hangzhou (which is in Zhejiang Province).

The key rule: Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu form a combined visa-free region under the 240-hour policy. This means you can fly into Shanghai, spend time in Hangzhou, and depart from either Shanghai or Hangzhou — as long as you stay within these three regions.

Important: The 240-hour window starts from midnight after your arrival, not from the moment you land. So if you land at PVG at 10 PM, your 10-day clock starts ticking at midnight, giving you nearly 11 full days.

Step-by-Step: PVG Arrival to Hangzhou

Step 1: Land at Shanghai Pudong (PVG). Follow the 'Transit Without Visa' signs in the arrival hall. These are well-marked in English and Chinese.

Step 2: Fill out the Temporary Entry Card. Mark 'Transit (240 hours)' as your purpose. You'll need your passport, boarding pass from your arriving flight, and your onward ticket to a third country.

Step 3: Go to the 240-hour visa-free transit counter. The immigration officer will check your documents and issue a temporary stay permit. This usually takes 5-15 minutes.

Step 4: Clear customs and exit the airport. From PVG, you have two options to reach Hangzhou — high-speed train (via Shanghai Hongqiao Station) or my private transfer service.

Step 5: Arrive in Hangzhou in about 1 hour by train or 2.5 hours by car. I'll meet you at Hangzhou East Station or your hotel to start your tour.

Train vs Private Transfer: Which Is Better?

High-Speed Train: From PVG, take the Maglev or metro to Shanghai Hongqiao Station (45-60 min). Then the high-speed train to Hangzhou East (45-60 min, ~73 RMB). Total door-to-door: about 2.5 hours. This is the budget-friendly option, but you'll need to navigate two stations with luggage.

Private Transfer (Recommended): I pick you up directly from PVG arrival hall and drive you to Hangzhou in a comfortable SUV. Total door-to-door: about 2.5 hours — same as the train, but with zero hassle. You relax in A/C, use Wi-Fi, and I handle all navigation. Cost: $120 per vehicle (up to 4 guests).

For transit travelers, time is precious. A private transfer means you arrive in Hangzhou refreshed and ready to explore — not stressed from hauling luggage through train stations.

Can I Depart from Shanghai After Visiting Hangzhou?

Yes — absolutely. One of the best features of the 240-hour policy for the Shanghai-Zhejiang-Jiangsu region is flexible departure. You can:

• Fly into Shanghai (PVG/SHA), explore Hangzhou, and fly out from Hangzhou (HGH) • Fly into Shanghai, explore Hangzhou, and fly out from Shanghai (PVG/SHA) • Fly into Hangzhou (HGH), explore Hangzhou, and take the train to Shanghai for departure

What matters is that your onward ticket goes to a third country — not back to where you came from — and that you depart within the 240-hour window.

Pro tip: Most travelers find departing from PVG offers more international flight options. I coordinate your schedule so you arrive at the airport with plenty of time.

Complete Documents Checklist

Before you arrive at PVG immigration, make sure you have:

✔ Passport with at least 6 months validity ✔ Boarding pass from your arriving flight to PVG ✔ Confirmed onward ticket to a third country (printed or digital) ✔ Hotel booking confirmation in Hangzhou (printed is faster) ✔ Travel insurance (recommended, not required)

I provide all my guests with a printed document package containing hotel confirmations, itinerary, and emergency contact info — so you have everything ready when you reach immigration.

Why Book a Guided Transit Tour?

Booking a guided tour for your Shanghai-to-Hangzhou transit trip is the smartest way to maximize your 10 days:

• Airport pickup at PVG — I meet you at arrivals and drive you directly to Hangzhou • Seamless coordination — I track your flight status and adjust for delays • Zero logistics stress — no figuring out trains, taxis, or navigation in a new country • Full 6-day itinerary — from West Lake to tea villages, water towns to bamboo forests • Immigration support — I prepare all your documents in advance

Price: from $210 per vehicle (up to 4 guests) for a full day, with airport transfer included at no extra cost.

Getting There

High-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East: 45-60 min, every 15-30 min, 73 RMB. Or I pick you up from your Shanghai hotel.

One Day Express

9am arrive Hangzhou. 9:30 West Lake boat. 10:30 Leifeng Pagoda. 12pm lunch. 1:30 Lingyin Temple. 3:30 Su Causeway. 5pm to station. 6:30 train back.

Weekend Trip

Day 1: West Lake, Leifeng, Lingyin, overnight. Day 2: Longjing tea hike, tea farm lunch, Grand Canal. Return evening.

240-Hour Visa from Shanghai?

Yes — fly into Shanghai, use the 240-hour visa-free transit, travel to Hangzhou by train, and depart from either city. See our detailed Shanghai PVG → Hangzhou step-by-step visa transit guide for the complete process.