Top 10 Ideas for a 72/144-Hour Visa Free Tour in China
China's visa-free transit policies allow you to transit to a third country via China and enter the country temporarily without a visa. You can take advantage of this visa-free transit policy and enjoy a short, hassle-free trip to China. To help you make the most of your stay, we've compiled the top 10 itineraries for a 144-hour visa-free tour in China.
Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
- City of Entry: Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang and Qinhuangdao
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 6 days
Beijing is always on the must-see cities list of China because of its historical background and rich heritage. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beijing was the capital city as well. There were lots of amazing palaces and gardens for the royal family in that era. By visiting the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, you will get a clearer idea of Chinese history. Another landmark of Beijing, the Great Wall, is also worth visiting. You can stay at a hotel at the foot of the Great Wall the night before, so you can wake up early the next day to admire the stunning view of the Great Wall winding over the mountains, bathed in the morning sunlight. You may also see the higher parts of the wall partially shrouded in a sea of clouds.
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
- City of Entry: Xi'an
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 6 days
Xi'an used to be the capital city of the Tang Dynasty about 1200 years ago. It has a rich blend of history and culture. The historical heritage found in Xi'an is well preserved and maintained, such as the Ancient City Wall. People can walk or bike on this 12-meter wall.
To get a better understanding of Chinese history, you can visit the Terracotta Warriors, a collection of thousands of life-sized statues that were buried with an ancient emperor, Qinshihuang. Also, you can climb Mount Hua between the clouds to find the hidden waterfalls and capture the wondrous views of the mountain temples.
Kunming, Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan
Stone Forest in Kunming
- City of Entry: Kunming, Lijiang, and Mengla County (Mohan railway port)
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 6 days
Located in the southwest part of China, Yunnan is home to a large number of ethnic minorities, each with their own distinct cultures and traditions. Also, it offers a wide variety of natural scenery, from towering mountains to tropical rainforests. With mild climate, Yunnan has become one of the most popular places to visit in China.
Kunming, Dali and Lijiang are the top 3 cities we recommend. In Kunming, you will see the Stone Forest, a formation of eroded limestone that results in unique shapes that resemble trees or animals. Next, spend 2 or 3 days in Dali. Bike around Erhai Lake, and you will find 3 ancient towns: Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, and Shuanglang Ancient Town.
Finally, in Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a must-see attraction. It provides both natural beauty and outdoor adventure. You can hike on the trails or take a cable car to access different parts of the mountain and enjoy the unique snowy scenery of this mountain.
Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou
West Lake in Hangzhou
- City of Entry: Shanghai, Nanjing, Lianyungang, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou and Zhoushan
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 6 days
Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou are probably the most representative cities in eastern China, and all of them are popular because of their waterside scenery. The first thing to do in Shanghai is take a night cruise on the Bund. On the cruise, admire the light show presented by the skyscrapers that sit on the opposite shore. Among them stands the third-highest skyscraper in the world: Shanghai Tower.
Next, immerse yourself in the water town of Suzhou, which is called "Oriental Venice." If you're hesitating about visiting the Humble Administrator's Garden or Lingering Garden, our suggestion is that you visit both of them. Because they have different styles. The Humble Administrator's Garden has more trees and flowers, while the Lingering Garden has unique buildings. Finally, finish your Suzhou tour by taking a boat drifting on the river in Zhouzhuang Water Town.
Wrap up your China tour in the last city, Hangzhou. Stroll around the West Lake and feel the breeze brushing your hair. After that, head to Lingyin Temple. You will get a chance to learn about how Chinese people pray for blessings.
Chengdu and Leshan
Giant Buddha in Leshan
- City of Entry: Chengdu
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 6 days
When you talk about Chengdu, the first thing that comes to mind is giant pandas. There are lots of giant panda research bases in Chengdu, and even some of them provide giant panda volunteer programs that allow you to experience being a volunteer for giant pandas for one day. Except for pandas, Sichuan cuisines are delicious enough that you do not want to miss them, especially Sichuan hot pot. Before you try the local food, you can visit the Sichuan Cuisine Museum to learn about how Sichuan dishes are made and what foods Sichuan people like. Leshan Giant Buddha will surely wow you. Built about 1000 years ago, the 71-meter Buddha sits by the river.
Guilin
Li River in Guilin
- City of Entry: Guilin
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 3 days
Guilin is famous for its breathtaking karst landscape. It has dramatic limestone peaks, verdant hills, and the serene Li River. There's a common saying in China: "Guilin's scenery is among the best in the world, and Yangshuo's scenery is the best in Guilin." So, taking a Li River cruise to Yangshuo County is the top thing to do. You can visit Reed Flute Cave to learn more about how beautiful a karst cave can be.
For a more in-depth tour, take an exclusive car to Longsheng County to admire the Longji Rice Terraces. They are a series of terraced fields carved into the mountainside in Longsheng County, offering you a glimpse into traditional farming practices and breathtaking panoramic views.
Zhangjiajie
Stunning mountains in Zhangjiajie
- City of Entry: Changsha
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 3 days
Have you ever imagined visiting Hallelujah Mountain in the movie Avatar? In Zhangjiajie, your dream will come true. The towering mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are actually the prototype of Hallelujah Mountain. Spend another day visiting Tianmen Mountain. You can climb up the 999 stairs to Heaven's Gate. Finally, enjoy your own leisure time in Fenghuang Ancient Town. There will be a special light show at night in this town.
Jinan, Qufu and Tai'an in Shandong
Baotu Spring in Jinan
- City of Entry: Qingdao
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 6 days
This time, you will visit three cities in Shandong Province: Jinan, Qufu, and Tai'an. Among them, Qufu is the birthplace of Confucius. By visiting the Cemetery of Confucius and Temple of Confucius in Qufu, you will get a deep dive into Confucianism.
For more natural landscapes, visit Jinan and Tai'an. You can take a boat drifting on the Daming Lake and then head to Baotu Spring, which is called the best spring in China. Finish your tour by hiking on Mountain Tai in Tai'an. It's one of China's most famous and culturally significant mountains, offering stunning sunrise and sunset views. It has a long history; many Chinese emperors would perform ceremonies at Mountain Tai to worship heaven.
Luoyang and Dengfeng in Henan
Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng
- City of Entry: Zhengzhou
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 6 days
If you're a Kung Fu lover, Henan Province is perfect for you. The best place to learn Chinese Kung Fu is Shaolin Temple on Song Mountain, Dengfeng. Shaolin Temple has played a significant role in Chinese Buddhism and is considered the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism.
Keep moving towards the west and you will get to Luoyang. It was a key city along the ancient Silk Road, contributing to cultural exchanges between the East and West. In Luoyang, Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple are both worth visiting. They hold religious and historical importance for ancient China.
Harbin
The Ice and Snow World in Harbin
- City of Entry: Harbin
- Allowed Duration of Stay: 3 days
It may be the best city for transport in the winter, especially during your Christmas holiday. In winter, Harbin has the best view of ice and snow. Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, one of the four biggest ice and snow festivals in the world, is held in Harbin every winter. During the festival, you will see numerous ice sculptures and buildings in a theme park called Harbin Ice and Snow World. Besides, you can challenge the longest ice slide in the world at the park. The theme will change based on the zodiac animal of the year. If you're looking for adventure, spend a day at Yabuli Ski Resort and enjoy skiing on the endless snow slopes.
Plan Your Visa-Free Tour with Us
Why not make the most of the 3 or 6 days and plan a visa-free China tour? All the details can be adjusted to fit your needs! Contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com. Our experts will help you with a worry-free China tour.
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