Jennifer
Senior Travel Consultant
Vivian
Travel Consultant
Chanson
Travel Consualtant
Hangzhou, known as the "Paradise on Earth" and a UNESCO World Heritage destination, is a popular entry point for visa-free travel in East China. The city offers multiple visa-free transit options — 24-hour, 72-hour (legacy), 144-hour (legacy), and the current 240-hour policy — making it suitable for everything from short layovers to extended regional trips.
Whether you are on a business stopover, visiting West Lake, or exploring nearby destinations like Shanghai, Suzhou, and the water towns of Jiangnan, Hangzhou's visa-free policies make travel easier without the need for a pre-arranged visa. Continue reading to find the right option for your trip and make the most of your time in East China.
Yes, many international travelers can now visit Hangzhou without applying for a traditional China visa. Thanks to China's expanding visa-free policies and the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, eligible foreign visitors can explore Hangzhou's iconic West Lake, ancient temples, tea villages, and cultural landmarks during a short stay in China.
For travelers planning a stopover in China or combining Hangzhou with destinations such as Shanghai, Beijing, or other eligible cities, this policy makes it easier than ever to experience one of China's most beautiful destinations without the lengthy visa application process.
However, visa-free entry is not automatic for everyone. Travelers must meet specific requirements, including nationality eligibility, valid international travel documents, an eligible transit route, and proof of onward travel. Understanding these rules before your trip can help you enjoy a smooth arrival in Hangzhou.
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about Hangzhou visa-free travel, including the 240-hour China transit visa policy, entry requirements, eligible travelers, application procedures, and practical travel tips to help you plan your journey with confidence.
The 24-hour visa-free transit is designed for short layovers at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) and includes two options:
Basic 24-Hour Transit (Airside Only)
Eligibility: All nationalities with a valid passport (≥3 months) and a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours
Rules: Stay inside the international transit area only; no entry into China
Duration: Up to 24 hours from arrival
Best for: Very short layovers (under 6 hours)
24-Hour Direct Transit (Hangzhou Exclusive)
Eligibility: Same requirements as above
Key Feature: Travelers can exit the airport and enter Hangzhou
Benefits: Simplified border procedures, short city visits allowed (e.g., West Lake, Lingyin Temple)
Entry/Exit: Must use Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
72-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Discontinued)
Status: No longer in effect (replaced by longer transit policies)
Former use: Limited to Hangzhou only for selected countries
Note: Travelers are now generally granted longer transit stays under the 240-hour policy
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Replaced)
Status: Replaced by the 240-hour visa-free policy (10 days)
Former use: Allowed travel within Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai
Current rule: Eligible travelers now receive 240-hour stay automatically, no separate application required
The 240-Hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for Hangzhou is available to citizens of 55 eligible countries. Travelers must meet all requirements below to qualify.
Europe (39):
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine
Americas (6):
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States
Oceania (5):
Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa
Asia (5):
Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Singapore
Africa:
Not included
1. Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of entry into China.
2. Confirmed Onward Ticket
You must hold a confirmed ticket to a third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan) within 240 hours.
Route must follow: Country A → China → Country B (round trips are not eligible).
3. Approved Entry/Exit Ports
Entry and exit must be through designated ports in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, or Shanghai.
4. Permitted Purpose of Stay
Allowed activities include tourism, sightseeing, family visits, and short business meetings. Work, study, and journalism are not permitted.
5. Clean Immigration Record
No history of visa refusal, overstay, or illegal entry in China.
Since December 2024, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy in the Yangtze River Delta (Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai) has been extended to 240 hours (10 days). Entry procedures, approved ports, and travel areas remain unchanged — travelers simply enjoy a longer stay in Hangzhou and surrounding regions.
This section explains all approved entry points, required routes, and arrival options for a smooth visa-free entry into Hangzhou.
Hangzhou is part of the Yangtze River Delta visa-free zone, allowing entry via air, rail, or sea before continuing to the city.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
Main international gateway to Hangzhou
Fully approved for 144/240-hour visa-free transit
Dedicated TWOV immigration counters and multilingual support
On-site entry/exit procedures and self-service kiosks
Transport to City Center:
Metro Lines 1 & 7: ~40–50 minutes to West Lake
Airport shuttle buses: Multiple routes across the city
Taxi / Didi: ~35–45 minutes to downtown Hangzhou
Nearby International Airports (Also Eligible)
You may also enter through other regional airports and travel to Hangzhou by high-speed rail:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB)
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)
All support the same 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
Many travelers enter via Shanghai and continue to Hangzhou by high-speed rail.
Hangzhou Stations (Approved Entry Points)
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Major transport hub in Zhejiang
Direct trains from Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nanjing
Connected to Metro Lines 1, 4, 6, and 19
Hangzhou Railway Station
Located near West Lake
Convenient access to central Hangzhou
Other Approved Railway Hubs
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Shanghai Railway Station
Suzhou Railway Station
Nanjing South Railway Station
Travel time from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East: ~70 minutes.
Cruise and coastal arrivals are also eligible for visa-free entry.
Shanghai Cruise Ports
Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal (Hongkou)
From here, travelers can reach Hangzhou via Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (~70 minutes by high-speed rail).
Zhejiang Coastal Ports
Zhoushan Port (Passenger Terminal): ~2.5 hours to Hangzhou
Ningbo Port: ~50 minutes by high-speed rail
Wenzhou Port: ~3 hours by rail or coach
The application process is simple, free, and usually takes around 5–10 minutes.
1. Arrival & Signage
Follow signs for "240-Hour Transit Without Visa" or "Temporary Entry Permit" in the arrivals hall at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.
2. Document Submission
Present the following:
Valid passport
Confirmed onward ticket (printed or digital)
Completed Foreigner Entry-Exit Card (available at counters or self-service kiosks)
3. Short Immigration Interview
Officers may ask basic questions about your stay, such as:
Where you will stay in Hangzhou
Your planned travel itinerary
4. Receive Entry Permit
Once approved, you will receive a Temporary Entry Permit stamped in your passport (free of charge).
5. Duration Calculation
Your 240-hour stay starts at 00:00 (midnight) on the day after entry.
Example:
Arrive on October 1 → Stay starts October 2 → Must depart before midnight on October 11.
The visa-free period starts at 00:00 the day after entry
Travel is allowed within Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai
Work, internships, and paid activities are strictly prohibited
Departure must be made from an approved exit port before expiry
Overstaying may result in fines, detention, or future entry restrictions
Travel Tips for Smooth Entry
Keep passport and onward ticket easily accessible at all times
Store digital copies of important documents on your phone or cloud
Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure flight
Use high-speed rail for fast travel within the Yangtze River Delta region
One of the main advantages of the 240-hour visa-free policy is its wide travel coverage across East China and beyond, allowing easy cross-provincial travel.
You can freely explore the following regions:
Zhejiang Province (Full Access):
Includes Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Yiwu, Shaoxing, Zhoushan, and more.
Jiangsu Province (Full Access):
Includes Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, Changzhou, and other major cities.
Shanghai Municipality (Full Access):
Covers key areas such as The Bund, Pudong, and the Former French Concession.
Additional Provinces (21+ Regions):
Includes major destinations such as Beijing, Guangdong (Guangzhou, Shenzhen), Sichuan (Chengdu), Yunnan (Kunming), and others.
Travel between permitted regions is allowed by high-speed train, domestic flight, or car without additional permits.
Under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers can explore Hangzhou and key destinations across the Yangtze River Delta, including parts of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai. This 6-day visa-free stay is ideal for experiencing Hangzhou's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and nearby regional highlights.
Below is a practical guide to help you make the most of your 144 hours in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou is known for its perfect blend of nature and culture, with major attractions located close to each other for easy travel.
West Lake (UNESCO World Heritage Site): West Lake is Hangzhou's most iconic landmark, famous for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Surrounded by temples, gardens, and pagodas, it is best explored over 1–2 days at a relaxed pace.
Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak: One of China's oldest Buddhist temples, Lingyin Temple offers a rich cultural experience, while nearby Feilai Peak features ancient rock carvings and scenic walking trails.
Longjing Tea Village: Located in the hills near West Lake, Longjing Tea Village is the best place to experience Hangzhou's famous Dragon Well green tea and traditional tea culture.
Hefang Street & Southern Song Imperial Street: These historic pedestrian streets offer a mix of traditional architecture, local snacks, souvenirs, and cultural heritage from Hangzhou's imperial past.
Suzhou (Jiangsu Province) – The "Garden City": Just 90 minutes from Hangzhou by high-speed rail, Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens, canals, and traditional Chinese landscape design.
Shanghai (Shanghai Municipality) – The "Modern Metropolis": Only 45 minutes away by train, Shanghai offers a striking contrast to Hangzhou, with iconic landmarks, shopping districts, and a global city atmosphere.
Wuzhen Water Town (Zhejiang Province): About 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, Wuzhen is a beautifully preserved water town with canals, stone bridges, and traditional wooden houses — perfect for a peaceful cultural experience.
These curated itineraries are designed around Hangzhou's visa-free transit policies (24-hour, 72/144-hour, and 240-hour stays) and different travel durations.
Short layovers focus on West Lake and key cultural highlights for a quick city experience, while longer stays allow deeper exploration of tea villages, wetlands, water towns, and nearby cities across the Yangtze River Delta.
All routes balance scenery, culture, and convenient transport, helping transit travelers make the most of their time in Hangzhou.
Best for: 6–24 hour layovers
Focus: West Lake highlights + quick cultural experience
Morning
Broken Bridge & Bai Causeway – iconic West Lake views
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon – West Lake cruise experience
Afternoon
Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak – ancient Buddhist culture
Longjing Tea Village – tea tasting and plantation visit
Evening
Hefang Street & Southern Song Imperial Street – food, shopping, and heritage walk
Return to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (allow 3+ hours before departure)
Transport Tip:
Airport to city center takes ~35–45 minutes by taxi or ~45 minutes by metro.
Best for: 2–3 days
West Lake full highlights
Lingyin Temple + tea culture
Xixi Wetland Park
Canal & night lights experience
Best for: 5–6 days
Hangzhou main attractions (West Lake, temples, tea villages)
Day trip to Shanghai
Day trip to Suzhou or water towns
Local hidden gems & old streets
Choosing accommodation near key attractions or transport hubs helps save time and makes a visa-free stay in Hangzhou more convenient. All hotels listed below accept international guests, provide required foreign guest registration, and offer multilingual support.
The West Lake area is the most popular choice due to its proximity to major attractions, allowing easy access by walking or short taxi rides.
Luxury Hotels (5-Star)
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake
Lakefront location with private terraces
24-hour multilingual concierge service
Airport pick-up available (advance booking required)
Cultural experiences such as traditional tea ceremonies
Amanfayun
Peaceful retreat near Lingyin Temple
Traditional-style villas with private gardens
Cultural activities including calligraphy and tea experiences
Ideal for a quiet and immersive stay
Mid-Range Hotels (3–4 Star)
Hyatt Regency Hangzhou
5-minute walk to West Lake (Su Causeway)
Easy access to Lingyin Temple and tea plantations
English-speaking staff and international breakfast options
Sofitel Hangzhou West Lake
French-style hotel near West Lake
Walking distance to Leifeng Pagoda and Hefang Street
Rooftop bar with lake views and airport shuttle service
Budget Hotels & Hostels
Hanting Hotel (West Lake Branch)
10-minute walk to West Lake
Clean and simple rooms with essential facilities
24-hour front desk support
Locals Boutique Hostel
Social-style hostel with dormitory and private rooms
Organized local activities such as West Lake cycling and tea village visits
Assistance available for check-in and registration procedures
To make the most of a 144-hour visa-free stay in Hangzhou, it is important to plan transportation, accommodation, payment, and travel rules in advance.
Transportation
Use Hangzhou Metro (Lines 1, 2, 4, 7) for convenient city travel, with fares ranging from ￥2–￥8 per trip.
For day trips, high-speed rail tickets can be booked via 12306, Trip.com, or Ctrip (English available).
Taxis and Didi are also widely available for short-distance travel.
Accommodation
Stay near West Lake (Hubin area) for easy access to main attractions, or near Hangzhou East Railway Station for convenient connections to nearby cities. All recommended hotels support foreign guest registration required for visa-free stays.
Payment
Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels and larger venues, while small shops mainly use cash (￥500–￥1000 recommended). Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used for transport, dining, and tickets (local SIM or eSIM recommended).
Language
English is limited outside major hotels and tourist attractions.
Translation apps such as Google Translate or Pleco are recommended.
Most tourist signage includes both Chinese and English.
Visa Rules Reminder
Do not overstay the 144-hour visa-free period
Accommodation registration is required within 24 hours of arrival (handled by hotels)
Paid work, internships, and journalism are strictly prohibited
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
Contact Buer China Travel
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Jennifer
Senior Travel Consultant
Vivian
Travel Consultant
Chanson
Travel Consualtant
>12 years old
2~11 years old
