240時間ビザ免除トランジット制度とは？
As of 2026, China permits foreign nationals from 54 eligible countries—including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore—to stay up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa when transiting through designated airports. This policy applies only if you enter and exit via different countries or regions (e.g., flying from Tokyo to Paris with a stop in Shanghai), and your connecting flight is booked and confirmed. Crucially, you must hold a valid passport, onward ticket within 240 hours, and sometimes proof of accommodation—but WingPhoenix’s AI 行程规划器 automatically verifies eligibility and pre-fills required fields during layover itinerary generation.
Eligible Cities & Airports (Updated October 2026)
The 240h policy now covers 18 Chinese cities—up from 15 in 2025—with Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), Xi’an Xianyang (XIY), Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH), Nanjing Lukou (NKG), Qingdao Jiaodong (TAO), Dalian Zhoushuizi (DLC), Shenyang Taoxian (SHE), Kunming Changshui (KMG), Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN), Wuhan Tianhe (WUH), Harbin Taiping (HRB), Urumqi Diwopu (URC), Ningbo Lishe (NGB), Zhengzhou Xinzheng (CGO), and Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX). All offer dedicated transit counters, multilingual signage (English widely available), and fast-track immigration lanes for 240h travelers. Note: You must apply for the transit permit on arrival—even with pre-approved eligibility—and it’s issued free of charge. Processing takes under 15 minutes at major hubs like PVG or PEK; bring printed flight confirmations and hotel booking (or use WingPhoenix’s AI-generated layover plan as proof).
Layover Essentials: From Arrival to Departure
Upon landing, head straight to the Transit Immigration Counter (clearly marked in English)—not regular immigration. Staff will stamp your passport with a 240h permit and issue a small white slip with your expiry date. Keep this with you at all times; police checks occur randomly in metro stations and hotels. Next, activate your 中国eSIM immediately: WingPhoenix partners with China Unicom and China Telecom to deliver instant eSIM QR codes upon airport pickup or via SMS within 3 minutes of arrival (no SIM tray? No problem—we auto-detect device compatibility). With connectivity secured, open WeChat, scan the QR code at any Alipay-enabled kiosk, and top up ¥50–¥100 for unlimited data and local calling.
For transport, avoid unlicensed taxis. At PVG, take Metro Line 2 (¥4, 45 min to downtown) or the Maglev (¥50, 8 min to Longyang Road, then transfer). At PEK, use the Airport Express (¥35) or Daxing Line (if arriving at PKX). All major transit airports have bilingual self-service baggage drop and luggage storage lockers (¥30–¥50/24h, accessible via Alipay or WeChat Pay). Pro tip: Download the official China Railway 12306 app *before* departure—it works offline for station maps and real-time train status, critical if you’re squeezing in a 高速铁路 day trip (e.g., Shanghai → Suzhou, 25 min, ¥30).
Smart Layover Itineraries: What to Do in 6–24 Hours
You don’t need a full 10-day pass to benefit. Even a 9-hour layover opens doors: at Guangzhou, hop on Metro Line 3 to Beijing Road for Cantonese dim sum at Tao Tao Ju (opens at 6:30am); in Chengdu, ride Line 10 to Jinli Ancient Street for spicy dan dan noodles and panda souvenirs before catching your 3pm flight. For longer stops (24–72 hrs), consider overnight stays in city-center hotels near metro lines—most accept foreign ID + 240h slip (no visa stamp required). Our AI trip planner on WingPhoenix generates optimized 1–3 day itineraries based on your exact layover window, language preferences, dietary needs, and real-time metro/train schedules—all synced to your calendar and WeChat.
- ✅ Always carry your passport + 240h slip (digital copy accepted but physical preferred)
- ✅ Pre-download offline maps (Baidu Maps works best; use Chrome Translate for English overlays)
- ✅ Carry ¥200–¥500 cash as backup—some street vendors and older metro gates still require physical RMB
- ✅ Avoid ‘free’ airport Wi-Fi—it’s slow, requires Chinese phone number verification, and often blocks Google services
- ❌ Don’t attempt to leave the airport without the 240h stamp—even if you cleared immigration digitally, manual stamping is mandatory
240h Transit by City: Key Stats & Local Perks
Here’s how top transit hubs compare for convenience, speed, and local access:
| 空港 | Metro Access Time | Fastest City Center Trip | Top 2-Hour Layover Activity | eSIM Activation On-Site? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai PVG | 2 min to Maglev station | Maglev + Line 2 = West Nanjing Rd in 42 min | Yuyuan Garden (opens 8:30am), then nanxiang steamed buns at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant | Yes—Unicom kiosks airside, Level 2 |
| Beijing PEK | 5 min to Airport Express | Airport Express = Dongzhimen in 26 min | Hutong coffee at Slow Boat, then Forbidden City East Gate (opens 8:30am, skip-the-line tickets via 12306) | Yes—Telecom booth at Arrivals Hall B, open 24/7 |
| Chengdu TFU | 3 min to Line 18 | Line 18 + Line 1 = Chunxi Rd in 38 min | Hotpot lunch at Long Chaomen (English menu), then Jinli Street souvenir hunt | Yes—Alipay QR eSIM vending machines near Gate 12 |
| 広州（CAN） | 1 min to Line 3 | Line 3 = Beijing Rd in 22 min | Breakfast congee at Wenchang Chicken Rice, then Temple of the Six Banyan Trees | Yes—Unicom desk at Terminal 2, 6am–11pm |
Remember: The 240h clock starts at your *arrival time*, not immigration clearance—and ends at your *scheduled departure time*. If your flight is delayed, notify airport staff immediately; extensions are granted case-by-case. Also, note that Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as separate territories—so flying PEK → HK → London qualifies, but PEK → HK → SHANGHAI does not.
With smart preparation, China’s 240-hour ビザ免除トランジット transforms dead time into discovery—whether you’re tasting hand-pulled lamian in Xi’an or photographing sunset over the Bund in Shanghai. Just ensure your documents are in order, your eSIM is live, and your expectations align with reality: no Google Maps, yes to QR-code everything, and always—always—carry your passport.
Ready to turn your layover into a highlight? Let WingPhoenix’s AI trip planner build your custom 240h itinerary in under 90 seconds—complete with transport links, restaurant reservations, and real-time transit alerts. 今すぐ計画を開始.