240 hr visa - First time transit in China

Question

Hi- planning to take flight with transit in China from Abu Dhabi / Dubai. - would transit visa and knowing it allows to stay up to 10 days will allow me to do this: The 1st transit will be to Guangzhou 2/3 days then will continue flying to Shanghai and staying 2/3 days. From Shanghai then fly to Indonesia. Also, which area would recommend staying for first timer in Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Answer

If you are planning a transit through China from Abu Dhabi or Dubai with stops in Guangzhou and Shanghai, the 144-hour (6-day) or 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy may apply depending on your nationality and cities. For travelers eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit, you can indeed enter China without a standard visa and stay for up to 10 days in selected cities, including Guangzhou and Shanghai, provided you have confirmed onward tickets to a third country (in your case, Indonesia) within the allowed timeframe.

In your case, a possible itinerary could be:

Fly from Abu Dhabi/Dubai to Guangzhou, stay 2-3 days.
Fly from Guangzhou to Shanghai, stay 2-3 days.
Fly from Shanghai to Indonesia for your onward journey.

Important notes about the transit visa:

Make sure your flights are confirmed and that the entry and exit dates fall within the 240-hour period.
You must enter and leave through eligible airports that allow 240-hour visa-free transit (Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao Airports are included).
Carry proof of onward travel (flight tickets) and passport with at least 6 months validity.
Check with your airline, as some require confirmation of visa-free eligibility prior to boarding.

For first-time travelers, choosing convenient and central locations for your stays will make sightseeing easier:

Guangzhou: Consider staying near Tianhe District for modern shopping malls, restaurants, and easy access to the metro. Another option is Yuexiu District, which is closer to historical sites and attractions such as the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Yuexiu Park.
Shanghai: The Bund or People’s Square area is ideal for first-timers. You’ll be close to major landmarks, shopping streets like Nanjing Road, and have easy access to metro lines. Alternatively, staying in the Former French Concession offers a quieter, scenic neighborhood with boutique cafes and tree-lined streets.

Additional tips:

Plan your Guangzhou and Shanghai itineraries around transport convenience, as both cities are large and traffic can be heavy.
Use the metro systems in both cities for efficient travel; they are safe, reliable, and cover most attractions.
Book hotels that offer easy airport shuttle or metro access to reduce travel stress during your short stay.

In summary, the 240-hour visa-free transit allows you to comfortably visit Guangzhou and Shanghai in sequence as long as you meet eligibility criteria, carry the necessary documents, and plan your stays in central areas for ease of sightseeing and relaxation.

240 hr visa - First time transit in China

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