Six trip-ready insights for executives heading to China this year: from 240-hour visa-free transit to Mandarin-ready meeting rooms.
What changed in 2026
China's 240-hour visa-free transit now covers most GCC, EU and APAC passport holders. Combined with the APEC Business Travel Card, executives can move between Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou with almost zero friction.
The 6-point briefing
1. Visa and entry
Most business travellers from the UAE, EU, UK and Australia can use 240-hour visa-free transit for trips routing through 50+ Chinese cities. For longer stays or repeat trips, the M visa (business) is the gold standard.
2. Money and payments
Cash is dead. WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential. We pre-load both with international cards before your arrival.
3. Connectivity
Bring an eSIM with built-in VPN, or use our China Business Explorer SIM — keeps your Gmail, LinkedIn and Slack alive across the country.
4. Hotels
- Beijing: Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental Wangfu, Peninsula
- Shanghai: Bulgari, Amanyangyun, Capella Jian Ye Li
- Shenzhen: Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons
5. Ground logistics
Private cars with English/Arabic speaking drivers, interpreters on standby for factory and supplier meetings, and dedicated trip managers reachable on WhatsApp 24/7.
6. Cultural calibration
Lunch meetings end at 1pm sharp. Business cards exchanged with both hands. Toasts are made standing. Small gestures, big signals.
What a typical trip looks like
A 5-day mission combining 2 factory visits, 3 supplier meetings, 1 trade fair day and 1 networking dinner. See our sample business journey on the China Business Explorer page.
Ready to scope your trip?
We design every brief around your meeting list, factory shortlist and travel dates. Request a tailored business proposal — we respond within 24 hours.
✦ Plan your trip
Ready to bring this story to life?
Tell us your dates, budget and interests. We'll send a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
