Turn your China layover into a real trip.
Practical, independent guides for foreign travelers on a short stopover in China: visa-free transit rules, eSIM setup before you land, payments that actually work, and quick city trips.
Everything you need, in one place
Transit visa
China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, decoded — who qualifies and how to use it.
eSIM setup
Stay connected to the apps you already use. Set up an eSIM before you land.
Payments
Visa/Mastercard and Apple/Google Pay have limits here. Here’s what actually works.
City trips
Fast, realistic layover routes for the cities where most travelers land.
How a smooth layover goes
- Step 1
Before you fly
Install an eSIM, link your card to Alipay/WeChat Pay or TenPayGo, and save your onward ticket.
- Step 2
At immigration
Use the 240-hour visa-free transit lane with your passport, arrival card, and onward ticket.
- Step 3
On the ground
Follow a city route matched to your layover window — and pay with the QR code, not the card.