Visa-Free Entry: The Game Changer
China has aggressively expanded visa-free policies since late 2023. As of 2026, these are the main pathways for foreign tourists:
240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit
Who: Citizens of 55 countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, most EU, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, etc.)
Where: Enter via Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) airports — also Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and 30+ other ports.
Rules: Must have onward ticket to a third country/region within 240 hours. Can travel within the entire Yangtze Delta region (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang) — not just the city of entry.
Process: Fill arrival card, show onward ticket at immigration, get temporary entry permit stamped in passport. No pre-application.
Critical: "Third country" includes Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan. A flight PVG → HKG → home qualifies. PVG → PEK → home does NOT.
144-Hour (6-Day) Visa-Free Transit
Similar to above but for specific port combinations. Check current official rules if your nationality is not on the 55-country list or if your route uses a different port pair.
30-Day Mutual Visa Exemption
Countries: Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan (reinstated 2024), Korea (reinstated 2024), plus others added periodically.
Terms: 30 days per entry, multiple entries allowed, for tourism/business/family visits. No transit requirement — you can enter directly and fly home from anywhere in China.
Standard L (Tourist) Visa
If you don't qualify above: apply at Chinese visa center in your country. Single/double/multiple entry, 30-90 days per stay. Requires hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter, flight itinerary, bank statements. Processing: 4 business days standard, 2-3 days express. Valid 3 months from issue (single/double) or 1 year (multiple).
Cashless China: Alipay & WeChat Pay Setup
China is functionally 100% cashless. Even beggars have QR codes. You need mobile payments before you leave the airport.
Alipay (Tourist Version)
Setup: Download Alipay (international version) → Register with phone number → "Tour Pass" or "International Card Binding" → Add Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Discover/Diners Club → Verify with 3D Secure.
Metro: Alipay → "Transport" → "Shanghai Metro" → Generate QR → Scan at gate.
Limits: ¥50,000/year for foreign cards (plenty for tourists). No Chinese bank account needed.
WeChat Pay (Wallet)
Setup: Download WeChat → Register → Me → Wallet → Add Card → Enter international card → Verify.
Metro: WeChat → Search "Shanghai Metro" mini-program → Generate QR.
Advantage: Works inside WeChat ecosystem (ordering at restaurants via mini-programs, splitting bills with friends, red envelopes).
Contactless Bank Cards (New 2024)
Some Shanghai Metro gates accept selected contactless payment options, but availability can vary by gate and card issuer. For foreign visitors, Alipay/WeChat transport QR codes remain the most reliable option. Check current official payment options before relying on foreign card tap-to-ride.
Pro Tips
- Set up BOTH Alipay and WeChat Pay — some merchants prefer one
- Add cards BEFORE arriving; SMS verification may not work on roaming
- Keep ¥500-1000 cash for emergencies (small vendors, taxis if phone dies)
- Screenshot your payment codes — works offline for 5 minutes
- Enable "Quick Pay" (no password for small amounts) for speed
Getting Around: China's Transport Marvel
Shanghai Metro
20+ lines, 500+ stations, 800+ km. Trains every 2-5 minutes peak. First train ~5:30 AM, last ~11 PM. Fare: ¥3-10 by distance. English announcements, signs, and maps everywhere.
Apps: "Metro Daduhui" (official, English) or Alipay/WeChat mini-programs for QR codes.
Airport: Line 2 to Hongqiao (SHA), Line 16 + Maglev to Pudong (PVG).
Maglev Train
World's fastest commercial train: 431 km/h, Pudong Airport ↔ Longyang Road (Line 2/16/18) in 8 minutes. ¥50 one-way (¥40 with same-day flight ticket), ¥80 round-trip. Runs 6:45 AM - 9:32 PM, every 15-20 min. Not covered by metro passes.
High-Speed Rail (CRH/CR)
Shanghai is the hub for East China. Key routes from Shanghai Hongqiao (integrated with metro Lines 2/10/17):
• Hangzhou: 45 min, ~¥73
• Suzhou: 25 min, ~¥39
• Nanjing: 90 min, ~¥150
• Wuxi: 55 min, ~¥70
• Ningbo: 2 hr, ~¥150
• Beijing: 4.5 hr, ~¥550
Book on Trip.com, Ctrip, or 12306 app (Chinese only). Passport needed for booking and boarding. Arrive 30 min early for security.
Ride-Hailing & Taxis
DiDi: China's Uber. International app version in English. Pay via Alipay/WeChat. Airport surcharges apply.
Taxis: Metered, ¥14 flag fall (day), ¥18 (night 11 PM-5 AM). Most take Alipay/WeChat. Have destination in Chinese ready.
Tip: Metro is faster during rush hour (8-10 AM, 6-8 PM). DiDi "Express" cheaper than "Premier".