240-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China
China is implementing a 10-day (240 hours) visa-free transit policy. The transit program allows visitors who have existing flight bookings from China to a third country (region) to snag a visa on arrival at a Chinese airport (port) and stay for 10 days before departure. Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan all count as third destinations.
Passport holders of 54 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, can enter visa-free through any of the 60 open airports (ports) in 24 provincial regions, covering popular tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu and Guangzhou.
Read more about 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China.
Meanwhile, citizens from 38 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.
Day 1 Beijing
Day 2 Beijing
The Forbidden City (UNESCO) is the imperial place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for nearly 500 years (1420-1911). Experience the architectural splendor of the palaces, ceremonial courtyards, and private quarters.
The Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), where ancient Chinese emperors made sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for bountiful harvests, demonstrates the supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture.
Good to know: Usually the guide service for a full day tour is from about 9:00 to 17:00, and the evening time is on your own. If needed, your guide is happy to offer some tips or help you buy tickets for evening entertainment.
Ideas for leisure time: If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, the Legend of Kung Fu is a good choice for tonight. It is stunning Kung Fu show with a great story line and martial arts skills.
Day 3 Beijing
The Summer Palace (UNESCO) is the largest imperial garden in the world. Emperors of successive dynasties created a summer retreat of Chinese gardens and pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake.
Ideas for leisure time:
1. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant - Quanjude or Bianyifang. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat and fragrance from the fruit-wood.
2. Watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater or Tiandi Theater.
Day 4 Beijing - Xi’an (by bullet train)
Day 5 Xi’an
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, is a seven-story pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. One of the pagoda's many functions is to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler - Xuanzang.
Ideas for leisure time: Enjoy a tasteful Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.
Good to know: If you have an extra day in Xi’an, you could explore the Mount Hua and be amazed of its unique natural beauty. Or to take a day trip to Luoyang by bullet train and visit the Longmen Grottoes, one of the Three Most Famous Buddhist Grottoes in China.
-- Private English-speaking tour guide
-- Private air-conditioned coach
-- Land transfers between airport or railway station and hotel
-- Entrance tickets as listed
-- Lunches as listed
-- Domestic train tickets
-- Hotel accommodations with breakfast
-- Service charge & government taxes
-- International flights with airport tax
-- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, fax fee, phone bills, optional activities
-- Gratuities for guides and drivers
-- China Entry Visa
-- Travel insurance