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 While the newer 240-hour policy has largely superseded it for most travelers, the 144-hour scheme remains active in 2026 and is still the default at some ports and airlines.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?
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
Geographic coverage
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
| Port | Type | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Capital International Airport | Air | PEK |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport | Air | PKX |
| Tianjin Binhai International Airport | Air | TSN |
| Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport | Air | SJW |
| Qinhuangdao seaport | Sea | — |
Popular itinerary
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)
Geographic coverage
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
| Port | Type | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport | Air | PVG |
| Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | Air | SHA |
| Nanjing Lukou International Airport | Air | NKG |
| Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport | Air | HGH |
| Ningbo Lishe International Airport | Air | NGB |
| Shanghai cruise port (Wusongkou) | Sea | — |
| Shanghai port | Sea | — |
Popular itinerary
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)
Geographic coverage
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
| Port | Type | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | Air | CAN |
| Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport | Air | SZX |
| Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport | Air | SWA |
| Various seaports (65 ports in Guangdong) | Sea | — |
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
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
| Airport | City | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | Beijing | Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei |
| Beijing Daxing (PKX) | Beijing | Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei |
| Tianjin Binhai (TSN) | Tianjin | Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei |
| Shijiazhuang Zhengding (SJW) | Shijiazhuang | Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei |
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Shanghai | Yangtze River Delta |
| Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) | Shanghai | Yangtze River Delta |
| Nanjing Lukou (NKG) | Nanjing | Yangtze River Delta |
| Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) | Hangzhou | Yangtze River Delta |
| Ningbo Lishe (NGB) | Ningbo | Yangtze River Delta |
| Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) | Guangzhou | Pearl River Delta |
| Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) | Shenzhen | Pearl River Delta |
| Jieyang Chaoshan (SWA) | Jieyang | Pearl River Delta |
144-Hour vs 240-Hour: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | 144-Hour Policy | 240-Hour Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 days (144 hours) | 10 days (240 hours) |
| Freedom of movement | One of 3 regions only | 24 provinces |
| Entry/exit ports | Region-specific | 65 ports nationwide |
| Cross-region travel | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Eligible nationalities | 54 countries | 55 countries |
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
- Check eligibility — your nationality must be on the 54-country list
- Book your onward ticket — must depart within 144 hours to a third country
- At check-in — tell the airline agent you're using transit visa-free; show your onward ticket
- On the plane — fill out the Arrival Card for Temporary Entry
- At immigration — look for the "Transit Without Visa" lane; present passport, arrival card, onward ticket
- Receive your stamp — the exit deadline will be noted on your entry stamp
Rules to Remember
- 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
Is the 144-hour transit visa still valid in 2026?
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?
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?
12 airports across 3 regions — see the complete list above.
Can I travel from Shanghai to Beijing on the 144-hour visa?
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?
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