Best routes for 30-day visa-free travel in China — from Golden Triangle to regional loops
Updated March 2026 with latest visa-free policy (46 countries, through December 2026)
With China's 30-day visa-free policy (extended to December 31, 2026 for citizens of 46 countries), you have ample time to explore China's highlights beyond the classic Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai route.
30 days visa-free for citizens of 46 countries (includes USA, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries). Valid for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. Extended to December 31, 2026.
The classic route with time for deeper exploration and nearby regions.
Focus on southern China — from coastal cities to karst landscapes.
Explore China's north — from ancient capitals to frontier regions.
Arrive in Beijing. Adjust to jet lag, visit Tiananmen Square at night. Get your phone SIM card and activate Alipay/WeChat Pay.
Forbidden City (morning, arrive at 8:30 AM), Jingshan Park for sunset views. Temple of Heaven, traditionalhutong breakfast tour.
Choose one section: Mutianyu (most restored, cable cars), Juyongguan (closer, steep), or Simatai (wild, night lighting). Avoid Badaling (overcrowded).
High-speed rail from Beijing to Xi'an (4.5 hours, ¥515). Afternoon at Da Ci'en Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Evening Muslim Quarter food street.
Full morning at Terracotta Army Museum (arrive at 8:30 AM). Afternoon at Shaanxi History Museum. Evening train or flight to Chengdu.
Panda Base at 7:30 AM opening (4 hours). Afternoon at Jinli Street and Wenshu Monastery. Evening hot pot dinner at 钢管五区.
High-speed rail to Chongqing (1.5 hours, ¥154). Afternoon walk along Jialing River. Evening at Hongya Cave and riverfront.
Morning at Three Gorges Museum. Afternoon Yangtze cable car ride. Evening Yangtze River night cruise (¥150-200).
Day trip to Dazu Rock Carvings (UNESCO, 1.5 hours each way by metro + taxi, ¥130 entry). Return evening.
Flight or high-speed from Chongqing to Shanghai (3 hours flight, 11 hours rail). Bund walk at sunset, Nanjing Road shopping, Huangpu River cruise.
Morning at Yu Garden and Old City God Temple. Afternoon trip to Zhujiajiao water town or Tongli water town. Evening French Concession stroll.
High-speed to Hangzhou (45 min from Shanghai). West Lake at sunrise, Longjing tea villages. Day trip to Suzhou for classical gardens (Pingjiang Road, Humble Administrator's Garden).
Flight or high-speed to Guilin. Li River cruise to Yangshuo (4 hours, ¥210-300). Bike rental in Yangshuo (¥30-50/day), visit Silver Cave, watch cormorant fishing show.
Day trip or overnight to Longji Rice Terraces (2-3 hours each way). Best at sunrise. Return to Guilin for departure.
High-speed back to Shanghai (7 hours from Guilin, ¥690). Final shopping, last-minute souvenirs. Late night departure from Pudong Airport.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥8,000-12,000 | ¥15,000-25,000 | ¥30,000+ |
| Transport | ¥2,000-3,000 | ¥3,500-5,000 | ¥6,000+ |
| Food | ¥3,000-5,000 | ¥6,000-10,000 | ¥12,000+ |
| Attractions | ¥1,000-1,500 | ¥2,000-3,000 | ¥3,500+ |
| Total | ¥14,000-21,500 | ¥26,500-43,000 | ¥51,500+ |
Even if entering visa-free, you must register your address with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically — if staying with friends/family, you must register in person at the local police station.
WhatsApp, Google, YouTube, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before arriving. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are popular choices.
Each destination has detailed guides on PandaMate: