Updated September 2026
Planning a 10-day trip to China without applying for a visa? For travelers from 57 countries, it is now possible under China’s latest 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
However, the rules can be confusing, with designated entry ports, permitted areas, travel requirements, and itinerary restrictions to consider.
At QuietRoutes, we have years of experience planning private China trips and helping international travelers navigate the practical details of traveling around China. In this guide, we’ll explain how the 240-hour visa-free policy works, what destinations and attractions you can see, and how to organize the possible destinations into practical China itineraries for up to 10 days.
How China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Works
China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows eligible travelers to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 10 days, provided they meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of one of the 57 eligible countries.
- Hold a valid ordinary passport.
- Enter through one of the designated ports.
- Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
- Stay within the permitted travel areas.
- Leave China within the allowed 240-hour period.
The most important point is the transit requirement. Your journey must start in one country or region, pass through China, and continue to another country or region. For example, USA → Beijing → Japan can qualify, while USA → Beijing → USA does not qualify under the 240-hour transit policy.
You are also free to travel within the permitted areas during your stay, rather than remaining in your arrival city. Depending on your route, you can combine destinations such as Beijing → Xi’an → Shanghai, Chengdu → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie, or Beijing → Shanghai → Guilin and Yangshuo. You can travel between eligible destinations by high-speed train, domestic flight, bus, or private transfer.
However, the permitted travel areas have clear boundaries. For example, Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou or Chengdu → Tibet would not be covered by the 240-hour visa-free transit policy because Jiuzhaigou and Tibet are outside the permitted areas. If you plan to visit these destinations, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance.
China currently has 65 designated ports across 24 provincial-level areas covered by the policy. Since eligibility depends on your nationality, entry port, onward ticket, and travel route, we recommend checking whether you qualify and confirming your itinerary before booking your international flights.
Best 10-Day Visa-Free China Travel Itineraries
With the visa-free rules clear, the next step is choosing where to go. Here are some of our recommended 10-day China itineraries, depending on your interests and travel style.
Route 1: Beijing → Xi’an → Shanghai
Best for first-time visitors.
This is one of the classic 10-day China itineraries loved by international travelers.
Days 1–4: Beijing
Give yourself several days for the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the historic hutongs.
Days 5–6: Xi’an
Take the high-speed train to Xi’an and visit the Terracotta Warriors, the ancient City Wall and the Muslim Quarter. Xi’an is also a great place to try local food such as biangbiang noodles and roujiamo.
Days 7–10: Shanghai
Finish in Shanghai with the Bund, the former French Concession, Yu Garden and the city’s modern skyline.
This route gives you a good introduction to three very different sides of China: imperial history, ancient civilization and modern urban life.
Route 2: Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu
Best for pandas, food and a more local experience.
If you are interested in China’s food culture or want to see giant pandas, Chengdu is an excellent alternative to Shanghai.
Spend the first few days exploring Beijing and Xi’an, then continue to Chengdu for giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine, traditional teahouses and a much more relaxed lifestyle.
If you have four or five days in Chengdu, consider a day trip or extension to nearby attractions such as Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, or Mount Qingcheng.
For travelers who want something beyond China’s most famous cities, this is one of our favorite combinations.
Route 3: Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou
Best for a slower trip.
Not everyone wants to spend 10 days ticking off famous landmarks.
Shanghai works well as an arrival point, while nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou offer a slower introduction to China.
Explore classical gardens and canals in Suzhou, then continue to Hangzhou for West Lake, tea villages and a greener side of eastern China.
The short distances between these destinations make this a comfortable option if you prefer fewer hotel changes.
Route 4: Chengdu → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie
Best for food, city life and dramatic landscapes
If mountains, forests and lively city streets appeal to you more than traditional historical sights, this route is a great choice.
Only about two hours from Chengdu by high-speed train, Chongqing feels completely different, with steep streets, riverside neighborhoods and a spectacular “8D” cityscape after dark.
Zhangjiajie is famous for the towering sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar. With two to three days, you can explore the mountains, ride the famous cable car, walk on a glass skywalk and experience the Bailong Elevator.
This route gives you a fun mix of food, modern Chinese city life and spectacular nature, without trying to pack too many traditional sightseeing stops into 10 days. It is especially suitable for travelers who want to see a different side of China beyond Beijing and Shanghai.
Common Mistakes on a 10-Day Visa-Free China Trip
Assuming you can travel anywhere in China: The 240-hour policy has designated permitted areas. Check your complete route before booking trains and flights.
Using the full 240 hours without a buffer: Flight delays happen. Give yourself some margin before your international departure.
Trying to see too much: Ten days sounds long until you look at a map of China. Two or three well-connected destinations are usually better than five rushed stops.
Planning every day too tightly: Allow some flexibility for weather, crowds and unexpected delays. A slower day can also give you time to enjoy local food, neighborhoods and everyday life.
Choosing destinations only for famous attractions: Some places are worth visiting for the overall experience, not just one landmark. Think about what you actually enjoy, like food, nature, history or city life, when choosing your stops.
Final Thoughts
Ten days is enough to experience a memorable taste of China, even when traveling under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The key is choosing a route that fits your interests, leaving some breathing room, and enjoying the journey rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
If you’re unsure which route works best for your visa-free transit eligibility and travel style, we can help you plan a 10-day China trip from arrival to departure. Just feel free to contact us below.
FAQ
Can I visit China for 10 days without a visa?
Yes, if you meet the requirements for China’s 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy. Eligibility depends on your nationality, international itinerary, and the areas you plan to visit.
Who qualifies for China's 240-hour visa-free transit?
Citizens of eligible countries can use the policy when they are transiting through China to a third country or region with a confirmed onward ticket. You must also enter through an eligible port and stay within the permitted areas.
Can I travel between Chinese cities?
Yes, you can travel between cities within the permitted areas of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. High-speed trains are often the easiest way to connect major destinations.
Can I enter China through one city and leave through another?
Yes, in many cases. Your entry and exit ports must meet the requirements of the visa-free transit policy, and your entire itinerary must remain within the permitted areas.
Can Americans visit China for 10 days without a visa?
Yes. U.S. passport holders are currently eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, provided they meet all other requirements, including the qualifying transit itinerary and entry/exit conditions.
Can I stay in China for longer than 10 days?
Not under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. If you want to stay longer, you will generally need to apply for an appropriate Chinese visa before your trip.
