(i) Comprehensive mutual visa exemptions

To date, China has signed comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreements with 29 countries. Nationals of these countries may enter the Chinese mainland without a visa as stipulated by the agreements.

(ii) Unilateral visa-free entry

To date, China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for 50 countries, including France, Germany, Australia and etc. Citizens holding ordinary passports issued by these countries may enter the Chinese mainland without a visa for the purpose of business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, and transit with a stay of no more than 30 days.

(iii) 240-hour visa-free transit

Citizens of 55 countries may transit through the Chinese mainland without a visa to a third country (region) if they hold valid international travel documents and interline passenger tickets with confirmed dates and seats. They may enter the Chinese mainland through any of the 65 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) such as Beijing, and stay in designated areas for up to 10 days. The third countries (regions) include the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region, and the Taiwan region of China. During their stay, visa-free transit travelers may engage in tourism, business, exchange visits, or family visits. Activities which require prior approval, such as work, study, and news reporting, still require corresponding visas.

(iv) Regional visa-free entry

Regional visa-free entry policies for foreign nationals include the 30-day visa-free entry policy for foreigners entering Hainan Province, the visa-free entry policy for foreign tourist groups travelling by cruise ships, the visa-free entry policy for tourist groups from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) entering Guilin of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Xishuangbanna of Yunnan Province, and the visa-free entry policy for tourist groups travelling from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region to Guangdong and Hainan Provinces. Foreign nationals who meet the specified requirements may enter and stay in the Chinese mainland without a visa in accordance with the relevant policies and regulations.

For detailed information on sections (i) and (ii), please refer to the China Consular Services portal. For detailed information on sections (iii) and (iv), please refer to the "Policy Interpretation" section at the website of the National Immigration Administration.

Source: A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates issued by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China