240 hours Visa Itinerary

Question

Hello TAs,

I just learned about the 240-hour transit visa.

I hope it's still available next year, as I'm considering a trip in April.

With this visa, I assume you can simply arrive at a nominated Chinese airport (with a valid passport) and they'll issue the 240-hour visa on the spot?

Here’s my proposed itinerary:

London to Beijing (March 28)

Shanghai to Hong Kong (April 8)

Hong Kong to London (April 11)

Besides Xi'an, I'm unsure where else to visit between Beijing and Shanghai. I would also love to experience the high-speed train on at least one segment of the journey.

I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions!

Answer

The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa is indeed a convenient option for travelers with longer stopovers in certain Chinese cities. It allows you to stay in a designated region, including multiple cities, without applying for a full visa in advance, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Regarding your proposed itinerary:

Arriving in Beijing from London on March 28: You can enter Beijing under the 240-hour transit visa if you are eligible, meaning your onward flight to a third country (in your case, Shanghai and eventually Hong Kong) is confirmed. Note that the visa is generally issued at the port of entry, but you must provide proof of onward travel and may be asked to fill forms at the airport. It’s not automatically guaranteed — immigration officers have discretion.
Shanghai to Hong Kong on April 8: Your stay in Shanghai is covered under the same 240-hour visa if the visa was issued in Beijing, depending on the transit area rules (some regions allow multi-city travel). Confirm that Beijing–Shanghai is within the approved region.
Hong Kong to London on April 11: Leaving China from Hong Kong does not require the 240-hour visa, as Hong Kong is a separate administrative area.

Between Beijing and Shanghai, besides Xi’an, there are several excellent options depending on your interests and travel pace:

Qufu and Jinan (Shandong Province): Explore Confucius’ hometown and nearby historical sites; reachable by high-speed train.
Luoyang: Famous for the Longmen Grottoes; easily accessible by train from Xi’an or Beijing.
Hangzhou: Known for West Lake and tea plantations; high-speed trains from Shanghai make this a great stop.
Nanjing: Rich historical city between Shanghai and Beijing; offers culture, museums, and ancient city walls.

For the high-speed train experience, consider the following segments:

Beijing to Xi’an (about 4.5–6 hours) — one of the most scenic and comfortable long-distance rides.
Xi’an to Shanghai (approx. 6–7 hours) — showcases varied Chinese landscapes and modern train technology.
Beijing to Shanghai (approx. 4.5–6 hours) — if you prefer a direct route with fewer stops.

Tips:

Check the latest rules for 240-hour visa eligibility, as regulations can change year to year.
Keep all flight/train tickets and hotel confirmations handy to show immigration officers.
Plan high-speed train journeys in advance to secure first-class seats and convenient travel times.

Overall, your itinerary is feasible under the 240-hour transit visa, but careful planning of city sequences and visa eligibility confirmation is recommended.

240 hours Visa Itinerary

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