China Visa-Free Entry: 30-Day Visa Exemption & 240-Hour Transit Explained
Who can visit China without a visa, how the 240-hour transit works, and what to prepare before you fly into Shanghai.
Travel guide
East China Travel Guide
Visa-free entry, payments, trains, food and the best time to go — practical advice from our Shanghai team, updated regularly.
- Visa & Entry
- Practical Tips
- Planning
- Transport
- Muslim-Friendly
- Itineraries
How to Pay in China as a Foreigner: Alipay, WeChat Pay & Cash
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before you fly — plus when cash and credit cards still work.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou (Month by Month)
Spring blossoms, summer plum rains, golden autumn and quiet winters — when to go to East China and when to avoid the crowds.
Taking the Bullet Train Between Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou & Nanjing
Journey times, stations, booking with a passport and what to expect on board China's high-speed trains.
Halal Food & Mosques in Shanghai and Hangzhou: A Muslim Traveller's Guide
Where to find halal food, how to spot Muslim restaurants and which historic mosques to visit in East China.
The Perfect Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou Itinerary (5–7 Days)
How many days you need, which order to go in and where to fit a water town — a route planned by locals.
Questions we haven't answered?
Ask a local. Our team replies on WhatsApp and email every day of the week.