Zhejiang Province Fully Opens Six Ports for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit, Boosting Options for Australian Travellers

visa • 8 May 2026

### Zhejiang Province Fully Opens Six Ports for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit, Boosting Options for Australian Travellers Australian travellers heading to China now have enhanced flexibility in Zhejiang Province, a gem for its blend of ancient water towns and modern tech hubs like Hangzhou and Ningbo. According to recent reports, all six key ports in the province—including Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Ningbo Lishe International Airport, and Shanghai Pudong (serving Zhejiang routes)—are now fully open to the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. This allows eligible visitors up to 10 days to explore without a visa, provided they have onward tickets to a third country or region. China Daily highlights that Zhejiang has also launched tailored packages for foreign business visitors, including streamlined immigration and English-language support, making it easier to combine sightseeing with short professional trips. This expansion aligns with surging inbound tourism, as provincial regions like Guizhou, Hunan, and Heilongjiang saw over 60% growth in visitors during the recent May Day holiday, per Xinhua. For Aussies, it's a practical win: fly into Hangzhou for West Lake cruises or Shaoxing's historic wine trails, then transit seamlessly. Immigration queues averaged under 30 minutes at peak times, thanks to e-gates and digital declarations. Plan ahead by checking eligible routes on official sites—Zhejiang's move positions it as a prime gateway for multi-city itineraries. (Source: China Daily, May 7, 2026; Xinhua, May 6, 2026)

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