37 Ports! Complete List of China's 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free Cities (2026)
What Is the 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy?
China offers a convenient transit visa-free policy that allows travelers from 55 eligible countries to stay in designated Chinese cities for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa. This policy is perfect for travelers who want to explore China during a layover or make a short trip between connecting flights.
The key advantage? You can experience multiple cities within one region during your 144-hour window—no full Chinese visa required.
📋 Eligibility Requirements
- Passport from one of the 55 eligible countries
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity with one blank page)
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (not your origin or return country)
- No criminal record, no previous immigration violations in China
🌏 Complete List of 37 Ports and Their Covered Cities (2026)
| Province/Region | Port City | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport | 144 hours | All of Beijing |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport | 144 hours | All of Beijing | |
| Tianjin | Tianjin Binhai International Airport | 144 hours | Tianjin city |
| Tianjin Port (Cruise Terminal) | 144 hours | Tianjin city | |
| Beijing Daxing Airport (linked) | 144 hours | Beijing + Tianjin | |
| Hebei | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport | 144 hours | Hebei province |
| Hebei | Harbin North? No—Qinhuangdao Port | 144 hours | Qinhuangdao city |
| Shanghai | Shanghai Pudong International Airport | 144 hours | Shanghai + Jiangsu + Zhejiang |
| Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | 144 hours | Shanghai + Jiangsu + Zhejiang | |
| Shanghai Port (Cruise Terminal) | 144 hours | Shanghai + Jiangsu + Zhejiang | |
| Shanghai Railway Stations | 144 hours | Shanghai + Jiangsu + Zhejiang | |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Comprehensive Bonded Zone | 144 hours | Shanghai + Jiangsu + Zhejiang | |
| Jiangsu | Nanjing Lukou International Airport | 144 hours | Jiangsu province |
| Lianyungang Port | 144 hours | Jiangsu province | |
| Yangzhou Taizhou Airport | 144 hours | Jiangsu province | |
| Wuxi Guangfu Airport | 144 hours | Jiangsu province | |
| Changzhou Benniu Airport | 144 hours | Jiangsu province | |
| Zhejiang | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport | 144 hours | Zhejiang province |
| Ningbo Lishe International Airport | 144 hours | Zhejiang province | |
| Wenzhou Longwan International Airport | 144 hours | Zhejiang province | |
| Zhoushan Putuo Airport | 144 hours | Zhejiang province | |
| Liaoning | Shenyang Taoxian International Airport | 144 hours | Liaoning province |
| Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport | 144 hours | Liaoning province | |
| Shandong | Qingdao Liuting International Airport | 144 hours | Shandong province |
| Guangdong | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | 144 hours | Guangdong province |
| Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport | 144 hours | Guangdong province | |
| Guangdong | Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport | 144 hours | Guangdong province |
| Sichuan | Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | 144 hours | Sichuan province |
| Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | 144 hours | Sichuan province | |
| Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | 144 hours | Chongqing city |
| Shaanxi | Xi'an Xianyang International Airport | 144 hours | Shaanxi province |
| Fujian | Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport | 144 hours | Fujian province |
| Fuzhou Changle International Airport | 144 hours | Fujian province | |
| Hubei | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport | 144 hours | Hubei province |
| Enshi Xuanen Airport | 144 hours | Hubei province | |
| Yunnan | Kunming Changshui International Airport | 144 hours | 9 cities: Kunming, Lijiang, Yuxi, Puer, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe, Wenshan |
| Lijiang Sanyi International Airport ✨ NEW | 144 hours | Part of expanded Yunnan region | |
| Yunnan | Mohan Railway Port ✨ NEW | 144 hours | Yunnan province |
| Henan | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport ✨ NEW | 144 hours | Henan province |
🚂 Special Notes on Rail and Cruise Access
Rail access has been expanded! The Mohan Railway Port (磨憨铁路口岸) in Yunnan is now accepting 144-hour transit visitors. This is particularly exciting for travelers arriving from Laos or planning to explore the China-Laos Railway corridor.
Cruise passengers entering through Shanghai, Tianjin, or Shenzhen cruise terminals can also enjoy the 144-hour transit visa-free policy. Organized tour groups arriving by cruise can stay for up to 15 days under certain conditions.
📅 2026 First Quarter Stats: Inbound Tourism Surge
✅ How to Use 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free
- Check eligibility: Confirm your country is on the 55-nation list
- Book connecting flights: You must have a confirmed ticket to a third country (not your origin or return destination)
- Arrive at eligible port: Enter through one of the 37 designated ports
- Complete arrival formalities: Present passport, boarding pass, and fill out arrival card
- Stay within permitted region: You can only travel within the designated area for your port
⚠️ Important Restrictions
- No work allowed: You cannot engage in employment or paid work
- No study: Long-term study requires a proper student visa
- Cannot leave the designated region: If you enter through Shanghai, you must stay within Shanghai, Jiangsu, or Zhejiang
- No extension: The 144 hours cannot be extended under any circumstances
- Return timing: You must leave within 144 hours (the hour you exit is counted from your entry time)
🌟 Best Routes for 144-Hour Travelers
From Shanghai (Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai Region)
Perfect for exploring the Yangtze River Delta. Visit Shanghai's Bund and Yu Garden, then take a high-speed train to Hangzhou's West Lake (45 min) or Suzhou's classical gardens (25 min). Nanjing's Purple Mountain and historical sites are also within easy reach.
From Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region)
Explore the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Day trips to Tianjin for European architecture and authentic Chinese street food. Qinhuangdao offers beach access in summer.
From Chengdu (Sichuan Region)
Combine pandas, Sichuan cuisine, and ancient Shu culture. Visit Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, or the picturesque Jiuzhaigou Valley (requires flight connection).
From Kunming (Yunnan Region - Expanded!)
With the expanded policy, you can now explore 9 cities in Yunnan including Kunming, Lijiang (ancient town + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain), Dali (Erhai Lake + Three Pagodas), and Xishuangbanna (tropical gardens +傣族 culture). The new Mohan Railway Port makes the China-Laos Railway accessible!
🆚 144-Hour vs 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free
| Feature | 144-Hour | 240-Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 days (144 hours) | 10 days (240 hours) |
| Eligible Countries | 55 countries | 55 countries |
| Port Coverage | 37 ports | More limited, mainly eastern ports |
| Region Flexibility | Must stay within entry province/region | 24 provinces, 65 ports—much larger coverage |
| Best For | Short layovers, specific city visits | Deeper exploration across multiple provinces |
💡 Pro Tips
- Calculate time carefully: Your 144 hours starts from the moment your plane lands or train arrives. If you arrive at 3pm on Monday, you must leave by 3pm the following Sunday.
- Keep your departure ticket handy: Immigration officers will check your onward journey
- Register for WeChat/Alipay: Most services in China require these apps for payment
- Book accommodation in advance: Hotels need to register your passport with local police
- Use the online arrival card: Since November 2025, you can fill out your arrival information online before landing
📋 Required Documents at Immigration
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Onward ticket to third country/region
- Completed arrival card (or online pre-registration)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my 144-hour visa-free stay?
No, extensions are not permitted under any circumstances. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a proper visa before arriving in China.
Can I enter China multiple times using the 144-hour policy?
Yes, as long as each entry meets the requirements (third-country ticket, eligible port, etc.). There's no limit on the number of entries, but consecutive entries may raise questions about your true transit intent.
What if I miss my departure flight within 144 hours?
Contact the immigration bureau immediately. Overstaying, even accidentally, can result in fines, detention, and future entry bans. Always have a backup plan and travel insurance.
Can I use the 144-hour transit visa-free to visit Hong Kong or Macau?
No. Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration policies. A trip to China proper (including Shenzhen/Guangzhou) doesn't count as "transit" for HK/Macau purposes, and vice versa.
Which countries are eligible?
The 55 countries include most European nations (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.), the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and many others. Check the full list on the National Immigration Administration website.