144-Hour Transit Visa Cities List & Eligible Airports 2026

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China’s 144-hour (6-day) transit visa-free policy covers a wide network of cities and airports across three major regions. While the newer 240-hour policy has largely superseded it for most travelers, the 144-hour scheme remains active in 2026 and is still the default at some ports and airlines.

This guide lists every eligible city, airport, and seaport for the 144-hour transit visa-free policy, organized by region.

Key Takeaways

• The 144-hour transit visa-free covers 3 regions: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta.
• Major airports include Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), and more.
• You are restricted to the region where you arrive — no cross-region travel.
• Most travelers should use the 240-hour policy instead, which allows cross-province travel.

Is the 144-Hour Policy Still Relevant?

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The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy introduced in December 2024 is strictly better for most travelers — it’s longer, covers more provinces, and allows cross-region travel. However, the 144-hour policy is still active in 2026 and may be relevant when:

• Your airline hasn’t updated its procedures and defaults to 144-hour guidelines
• You’re transiting through a port that primarily operates under the 144-hour framework
• Immigration at a specific port applies the 144-hour policy

For the 240-hour policy details, see our China Transit Visa-Free Complete Guide.

Region 1: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei

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Geographic coverage

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You can travel freely within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province under this region’s 144-hour policy. Key cities include:

• Beijing — Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutongs
• Tianjin — Ancient Culture Street, Italian Style Town, Tianjin Eye
• Hebei — Chengde Mountain Resort, Shanhaiguan Pass (Great Wall eastern end), Qinhuangdao beaches

Entry/exit ports

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Popular itinerary

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Days 1–2: Beijing — Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutong walking tour Day 3: Beijing — Great Wall at Mutianyu (less crowded than Badaling) Day 4: High-speed train to Tianjin (30 minutes) — Ancient Culture Street, Italian Style Town Day 5: Tianjin → Hebei — Day trip to Shanhaiguan or Chengde Day 6: Depart from Beijing or Tianjin

Region 2: Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang (Yangtze River Delta)

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Geographic coverage

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You can travel freely within Shanghai, Jiangsu province, and Zhejiang province. This is China’s most economically dynamic region with excellent high-speed rail connections.

Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Disneyland, Tianzifang Jiangsu: Nanjing (city wall, Confucius Temple), Suzhou (classical gardens, water towns), Wuxi, Yangzhou Zhejiang: Hangzhou (West Lake, tea plantations), Ningbo, Shaoxing, Wuzhen water town

Entry/exit ports

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Popular itinerary

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Days 1–2: Shanghai — The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, night views from SWFC Day 3: Bullet train to Hangzhou (1 hour) — West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea village Day 4: Hangzhou → Suzhou (1.5 hours by train) — Humble Administrator’s Garden, Pingjiang Road Day 5: Suzhou water town — Zhouzhuang or Tongli, then train to Nanjing (1 hour) Day 6: Nanjing — Ming city wall, Confucius Temple, depart from NKG or PVG

Region 3: Pearl River Delta (Guangdong)

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Geographic coverage

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You can travel freely within Guangdong province. This is the manufacturing heartland of China with incredible food, modern cities, and easy access to Hong Kong and Macau.

Guangzhou — Canton Tower, Chen Clan Academy, Shamian Island, dim sum capital Shenzhen — Huaqiangbei electronics market, Dafen Oil Painting Village, tech hub Foshan — martial arts heritage, ceramics, Zumiao Temple Dongguan — Opium War Museum, manufacturing tours Zhuhai — seaside promenade, Macau border access Zhongshan — Sun Yat-sen’s hometown

Entry/exit ports

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Note: Guangdong has 65 designated transit ports, making it the most port-dense region for transit visa-free entry. These include seaports at Nansha, Shekou, and various smaller ports.

Popular itinerary

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Days 1–2: Guangzhou — Chen Clan Academy, Shamian Island, Canton Tower at sunset, dim sum tour Day 3: Guangzhou → Foshan (30 min by metro) — Zumiao Temple, Lingnan Tiandi Day 4: Shenzhen — Huaqiangbei market, Dafen village, Window of the World Day 5: Shenzhen → Zhuhai (ferry, 1 hour) — Fisher Girl statue, Lover’s Road, Macau views Day 6: Depart from Guangzhou or Shenzhen

Complete Airport List for 144-Hour Transit

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144-Hour vs 240-Hour: Which Should You Use?

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Recommendation: Use the 240-hour policy unless your specific situation requires the 144-hour scheme. The 240-hour option gives you more time and more freedom.

How to Claim 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free

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1. Check eligibility — your nationality must be on the 54-country list
2. Book your onward ticket — must depart within 144 hours to a third country
3. At check-in — tell the airline agent you’re using transit visa-free; show your onward ticket
4. On the plane — fill out the Arrival Card for Temporary Entry
5. At immigration — look for the “Transit Without Visa” lane; present passport, arrival card, onward ticket
6. Receive your stamp — the exit deadline will be noted on your entry stamp

Rules to Remember

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• Third country rule: A → China → B (A ≠ B). Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan count as separate regions.
• Stay within your region: Under 144-hour policy, you cannot travel outside the region where you arrived.
• Onward ticket is mandatory: Must have a confirmed seat on a flight departing within 144 hours.
• No extension: You must leave within 144 hours. No exceptions.
• Overstaying penalty: CNY 500 per day, potential detention and deportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is the 144-hour transit visa still valid in 2026?

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Yes, but largely superseded by the 240-hour (10-day) policy. Use 240-hour for more time and freedom of movement.

Can I visit multiple cities on the 144-hour visa?

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Yes, within your region. Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, or Pearl River Delta. No cross-region travel.

Which airports accept the 144-hour transit visa?

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12 airports across 3 regions — see the complete list above.

Can I travel from Shanghai to Beijing on the 144-hour visa?

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No. Shanghai is in the Yangtze River Delta region; Beijing is in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Cross-region travel is not allowed under the 144-hour policy.

What happens if I overstay?

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CNY 500 per day fine, potential detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban.

Related guides:

• China Transit Visa-Free Complete Guide
• 144-Hour vs 240-Hour Transit Comparison
• China Visa-Free Countries Guide