Outline
- Introduction – the visa‑free boom and why 2025 is the perfect year to visit China
- Understanding China’s visa‑free policy – who’s eligible, length of stay and new rules
- Top visa‑free destinations in China – Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Gansu, Yunnan and more
- Sample visa‑free travel routes – itinerary ideas to maximise your trip
- Tips for visa‑free travellers – preparation, entry requirements and travel advice
- FAQs – answers to common questions about visa‑free travel to China in 2025
- Conclusion – embracing China’s rich culture and natural beauty
Introduction: A Visa‑Free Boom
China’s tourism industry is enjoying a historic resurgence. In the third quarter of 2025, the National Immigration Administration reported that foreign nationals made more than 7.25 million visits to China under its visa‑free policies, a staggering 48.3 percent increase over 2024. Visa‑free entries accounted for 72.2 percent of all foreign arrivals, signalling that the country’s new openness is driving demand. In total, there were 178 million inbound and outbound travellers in Q3 2025, reflecting the rebounding of global mobility.
What changed? In recent years China has expanded its visa‑free travel rules. Today, citizens of 76 countries can enter China without a visa for tourism or business, while travellers from 55 countries can benefit from up to 10 days of visa‑free transit. The country also increased the length of stay to 15 or 30 days for visitors from many nations, giving more time to explore. With visa restrictions loosening and digital infrastructure improving, China is positioning itself as one of the world’s most accessible destinations.
For tour companies like Big Panda Tours, these changes offer exciting opportunities. More visitors mean a growing demand for itineraries, local expertise and authentic experiences. This guide explains how the visa‑free policy works, highlights the best places to visit and provides practical tips so you can plan an unforgettable journey to China in 2025.
Understanding China’s Visa‑Free Policy
Who is eligible?
China now allows visa‑free entry to citizens of 76 countries, including many in Europe (France, Germany, Italy and Spain), Asia (Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea) and Latin America. Citizens of these countries can enter China for tourism or business and stay for either 15 days or 30 days, depending on the country of origin. Examples of eligible countries include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Singapore and Malaysia. Travellers from 55 additional countries can enjoy visa‑free transit for up to 10 days, making it easy to stop in China en route to another destination.
If your country is not on the list (for example, the United States and the United Kingdom are currently excluded from visa‑free entry), you must still apply for a traditional visa. However, citizens of those countries can still benefit from 24‑, 72‑ or 144‑hour transit visas if transferring via China to a third destination.
How long can you stay?
The length of stay depends on your nationality. For most European and Asian countries, visitors can remain in China visa‑free for up to 15 or 30 days. Transit visa exemptions allow stays of up to 10 days. Always check the latest rules with your airline or embassy before travel, as the list of eligible countries and allowed durations is periodically updated.
Why did China expand its visa‑free policy?
China’s vast landscape contains everything from imperial palaces to snow‑capped mountains. Here are some of the best places to inc
China’s visa‑free push is part of a broader strategy to revive tourism and strengthen global business ties following the pandemic. Visa‑free entries now account for the majority of inbound arrivals, helping local economies and facilitating people‑to‑people exchanges. Officials have stated that the policy reflects “mutual trust, reciprocity and the strengthening of people‑to‑people exchanges”. With new digital infrastructure, travellers also benefit from smoother entry procedures and improved transportation networks.
Top Visa‑Free Destinations in China
lude on your visa‑free trip:
1. Beijing – History Meets Modernity
China’s capital is a must‑see. Explore The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, symbols of imperial power. Hike a less‑crowded section of the Great Wall, such as Mutianyu or Jinshanling, to marvel at its architectural prowess. Beijing’s hutong alleys offer a glimpse into traditional life, while modern landmarks like the National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest) and the futuristic Galaxy SOHO demonstrate the city’s forward‑thinking spirit.
2. Shanghai – Skyscrapers and Shikumen
Shanghai’s skyline rivals any in the world. Stroll the Bund to see colonial‑era architecture facing the futuristic towers of Pudong. Visit the Shanghai Tower, the world’s second‑tallest building, and sample global cuisine in the Former French Concession. For a taste of old Shanghai, wander through Yu Garden, known for its Ming‑era pavilions and tranquil ponds. After dark, enjoy a Huangpu River cruise as neon lights reflect off the water.
3. Xi’an – Gateway to the Silk Road
Home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an offers a journey through 3,000 years of history. Walk or cycle atop the Ancient City Wall, one of the most complete fortifications in China. Discover the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste delicacies like biangbiang noodles and pomegranate juice. Xi’an is also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, making it an ideal starting point for exploring China’s western regions.
4. Chengdu – Pandas and Sichuan Cuisine
Chengdu is famous for its laid‑back lifestyle and love of pandas. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these gentle creatures up close. Sample spicy Sichuan dishes like hotpot, mapo tofu and kung pao chicken. People here often enjoy leisurely tea‑house visits, and neighbourhood parks offer glimpses of locals dancing, playing mahjong and practicing tai chi. From Chengdu, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as Mount Qingcheng or the gi
giant Buddha of Leshan.
5. Gansu and the Silk Road – Deserts and Buddhist Art
The northwestern province of Gansu showcases stark desert landscapes and ancient Buddhist culture. Starting in Lanzhou, follow the Yellow River upstream to Gansu’s Hexi Corridor, a vital part of the Silk Road. Explore the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, where Buddhist murals and sculptures have survived for over 1,500 years. Continue to Jiayuguan, the westernmost fort of the Great Wall, before heading to the kaleidoscopic Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia. Gansu’s remote beauty is a rewarding contrast to China’s megacities.
6. Yunnan – Diversity of Landscapes and Cultures
Far to the southwest, Yunnan is a mosaic of ethnic cultures and breathtaking scenery. In Lijiang, stroll through cobbled streets lined with Naxi architecture and view Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. Nearby Tiger Leaping Gorge offers some of Asia’s most spectacular hiking. For a taste of Southeast Asia in China, visit Xishuangbanna, where tropical rainforests meet Dai and other minority cultures. Yunnan’s capital Kunming enjoys a mild climate year‑round and serves as a gateway to rice terraces in Yuanyang and the red land of Dongchuan.
7. Guilin and Zhangjiajie – Karst Wonders
Although not as prominent as Beijing or Shanghai, Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi province are famous for limestone karst peaks rising above emerald rivers. Take
a Li River cruise or bicycle through idyllic countryside. North of Guilin, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province inspired the floating mountains in J/imageames Cameron’s Avatar. Glass skywalks and towering sandstone pillars make this a thrill‑seekers’ paradise.
Sample Visa‑Free Travel Routes
To make the most of your visa‑free stay, consider these itinerary ideas:Two‑Week Classic China Tour (15 Days)
- Days 1–4 – Beijing: Explore the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Great Wall. Eat Peking duck and experience Beijing’s art scene in 798 Art District.
- Days 5–7 – Xi’an: Take a high‑speed train to Xi’an. See the Terracotta Warriors, bike the City Wall and sample street food in the Muslim Quarter.
- Days 8–10 – Chengdu: Fly to Chengdu. Meet giant pandas, sip tea in People’s Park and savour Sichuan cuisine. Take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha.
- Days 11–13 – Shanghai: Fly to Shanghai. Walk along the Bund, tour the Shanghai Museum and ride to the top of Shanghai Tower. Visit nearby ancient water towns such as Zhujiajiao.
- Day 14–15 – Guilin or Zhangjiajie: End your trip with karst scenery in Guilin/Yangshuo or head to Zhangjiajie for mountain adventure.
Silk Road Adventure (30 Days)
If you are eligible for a 30‑day stay, immerse yourself in western China:
- Beijing to Xi’an: Start in the capital, then travel to Xi’an.
- Gansu’s Hexi Corridor: From Xi’an, take a train through Tianshui and Lanzhou to Dunhuang. See the Mogao Caves, ride camels in the Mingsha Sand Dunes and hike the Great Wall at Jiayuguan.
- Xinjiang Extension: Continue to Urumqi and explore the grasslands of Turpan, the Tian Shan mountains and the colourful bazaar in Kashgar.
Cultural South China Trip (15 Days)
- Kunming and Yunnan: Start in Kunming, explore Stone Forest, then travel to Dali, Lijiang and Shangri‑La.
- Chengdu and Chongqing: Taste Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu and take a Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing through the Three Gorges.
- Guilin and Guizhou: Finish with a leisurely cruise on the Li River and visits to minority villages in Guizhou.
These sample routes demonstrate how much of China you can experience within the time allowed under visa‑free rules. Combine high‑speed rail, domestic flights and local tour services to maximise your adventure.
Tips for Visa‑Free Travellers
- Check eligibility and rules: Confirm your country’s status and allowed length of stay. Visa policies are subject to change, so consult your embassy or airline before booking.
- Carry your passport and proof of onward travel: Immigration officers may ask for proof of departure, hotel reservations and sufficient funds. Bring printed copies of your itinerary and bookings.
- Register your accommodation: Within 24 hours of arrival, register with the local Public Security Bureau. Hotels typically handle this automatically for you. When staying with friends or on a homestay, you must register yourself.
- Use contactless payments: China’s economy relies heavily on mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay). Foreigners can now link their international cards to these apps; doing so simplifies transactions across hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases: English is not widely spoken outside major cities. Knowing how to say hello (nǐhǎn), thank you (xièxiè) and ask for directions can improve your experience.
- Avoid peak holidays: National Day (around October 1–7) and Chinese New Year (late January or February) are extremely busy. During the eight‑day National Day and Mid‑Autumn Festival holiday in 2025, visa‑free travel policies fuelled a surge in inbound tourism. Plan your visit outside these dates to avoid crowds and inflated prices.
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples, remove hats and shoes when required, and be mindful of behaviours such as talking loudly in public spaces.
- Stay connected: Access to international websites may be restricted in China. Consider obtaining a VPN subscription if you need to access Google or social media. Alternatively, use local search engines and communications apps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who qualifies for visa‑free entry to China in 2025?
Citizens of 76 countries can enter China without a visa for tourism or business. Countries include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Brazil and many more. Travellers from 55 additional countries can enjoy visa‑free transit for up to 10 days.
Q2: How long can I stay in China under the visa‑free policy?
Visitors from most eligible countries can stay 15 or 30 days, depending on their nationality. Transit visa exemptions allow stays of up to 10 days. Always check the latest rule
Two‑Week Classic China Tour (15 Days)
- Days 1–4 – Beijing: Explore the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Great Wall. Eat Peking duck and experience Beijing’s art scene in 798 Art District.
- Days 5–7 – Xi’an: Take a high‑speed train to Xi’an. See the Terracotta Warriors, bike the City Wall and sample street food in the Muslim Quarter.
- Days 8–10 – Chengdu: Fly to Chengdu. Meet giant pandas, sip tea in People’s Park and savour Sichuan cuisine. Take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha.
- Days 11–13 – Shanghai: Fly to Shanghai. Walk along the Bund, tour the Shanghai Museum and ride to the top of Shanghai Tower. Visit nearby ancient water towns such as Zhujiajiao.
- Day 14–15 – Guilin or Zhangjiajie: End your trip with karst scenery in Guilin/Yangshuo or head to Zhangjiajie for mountain adventure.
Silk Road Adventure (30 Days)
If you are eligible for a 30‑day stay, immerse yourself in western China:
- Beijing to Xi’an: Start in the capital, then travel to Xi’an.
- Gansu’s Hexi Corridor: From Xi’an, take a train through Tianshui and Lanzhou to Dunhuang. See the Mogao Caves, ride camels in the Mingsha Sand Dunes and hike the Great Wall at Jiayuguan.
- Xinjiang Extension: Continue to Urumqi and explore the grasslands of Turpan, the Tian Shan mountains and the colourful bazaar in Kashgar.
Cultural South China Trip (15 Days)
- Kunming and Yunnan: Start in Kunming, explore Stone Forest, then travel to Dali, Lijiang and Shangri‑La.
- Chengdu and Chongqing: Taste Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu and take a Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing through the Three Gorges.
- Guilin and Guizhou: Finish with a leisurely cruise on the Li River and visits to minority villages in Guizhou.
These sample routes demonstrate how much of China you can experience within the time allowed under visa‑free rules. Combine high‑speed rail, domestic flights and local tour services to maximise your adventure.
Tips for Visa‑Free Travellers
- Check eligibility and rules: Confirm your country’s status and allowed length of stay. Visa policies are subject to change, so consult your embassy or airline before booking.
- Carry your passport and proof of onward travel: Immigration officers may ask for proof of departure, hotel reservations and sufficient funds. Bring printed copies of your itinerary and bookings.
- Register your accommodation: Within 24 hours of arrival, register with the local Public Security Bureau. Hotels typically handle this automatically for you. When staying with friends or on a homestay, you must register yourself.
- Use contactless payments: China’s economy relies heavily on mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay). Foreigners can now link their international cards to these apps; doing so simplifies transactions across hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases: English is not widely spoken outside major cities. Knowing how to say hello (nǐhǎn), thank you (xièxiè) and ask for directions can improve your experience.
- Avoid peak holidays: National Day (around October 1–7) and Chinese New Year (late January or February) are extremely busy. During the eight‑day National Day and Mid‑Autumn Festival holiday in 2025, visa‑free travel policies fuelled a surge in inbound tourism. Plan your visit outside these dates to avoid crowds and inflated prices.
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples, remove hats and shoes when required, and be mindful of behaviours such as talking loudly in public spaces.
- Stay connected: Access to international websites may be restricted in China. Consider obtaining a VPN subscription if you need to access Google or social media. Alternatively, use local search engines and communications apps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who qualifies for visa‑free entry to China in 2025?
Citizens of 76 countries can enter China without a visa for tourism or business. Countries include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Brazil and many more. Travellers from 55 additional countries can enjoy visa‑free transit for up to 10 days.
Q2: How long can I stay in China under the visa‑free policy?
Visitors from most eligible countries can stay 15 or 30 days, depending on their nationality. Transit visa exemptions allow stays of up to 10 days. Always check the latest rules
Q3: Do U.S. or U.K. citizens have visa‑free access?
Currently the United States and United Kingdom are not part of China’s visa‑free programme. Citizens from these countries must obtain a traditional visa, but they may qualify for transit visa exemptions when transferring via China.
Q4: Can I extend my visa‑free stay once in China?
Visa‑free stays cannot be extended. If you want to remain longer, you must exit China and re‑enter, or apply for a different visa prior to your trip.
Q5: What are some lesser‑known destinations worth visiting?
Beyond the major cities, consider the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia, the ancient water towns outside Shanghai, the bamboo forests of Anji, or a journey down the Yangtze River. Gansu’s remote regions and Yunnan’s diverse cultures reward adventurous travellers. Lijiang and the natural landscapes of Yunnan are specifically recommended.
Q6: How do I plan transportation within China?
China boasts an extensive high‑speed rail network connecting most major cities. Trains are comfortable, punctual and offer varying classes. Domestic flights are efficient for long distances such as Beijing to Gansu or Xinjiang. Apps like Trip.com or Ctrip provide English‑language booking and ticketing. You can also hire local guides or join group tours for convenience.
Conclusion: Embrace the Visa‑Free Opportunity
China’s expanded visa‑free policies have unlocked unprecedented opportunities for travellers. With millions of foreign visitors arriving under visa‑free rules and a government commitment to further expand the programme, there has never been a better time to explore China’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
At Big Panda Tours, we’re excited to help you design bespoke visa-free journeys. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the colourful cliffs of Gansu and the vibrant streets of Chengdu, China’s diverse landscapes await your discovery. Pack your bags, check your eligibility and embark on an unforgettable visa-free adventure in 2025.
