visit china tourist visa

  I.Visa Types and  Required Documents

  Annex 1  Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling

(1) Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete. Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.

(2) The " location " option  for submitting the visa application should be in line with the consular jurisdiction.

(3) Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

(4) If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:

1. Application form 1.1D The Chinese name (if applicable) must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese", etc.

2. In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.

3. Item 1.6H of the application form is required. If the applicant is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, this entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process; but if the applicant has previously applied for a Chinese visa, this entry will not be displayed when filling in the online form, and the form must be printed out and supplemented by hand-written Chinese name and other information. This Item cannot be empty.

(5) Fill in the work experience and educational background

1. Please fill in the work experience in the past 5 years.

2. The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.2D and 3.2E must be filled in completely.

3. Please fill in the highest diploma/degree in 4.1 , and the diploma/degree and major in 4.1B and 4.1C must be completed.

(6) Completely fill in each address

The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form must fill in the address of the current location, not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

(7) If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.

(8) Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 8 to 9 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

  Annex 2  Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter

Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.

I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.

Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.

Inviter's signature:        Date:

  Annex 3  Cont ents of M， F and L Visa Invitation Letter

(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

(2) Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

(3) Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, tel e phone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

  Annex 4    Where You Stay Form  ( Download )

Please note: According to the v isa application requirements, if the applicant is not in the United States, he cannot apply for a visa to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General in the United States.)

II.Process of Visa Application

The  consular jurisdiction   of the Embassy  of the People ’ s Republic of China   includes : Washington D . C . , Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Puerto Rico.. Please confirm that the applicant lives in the above-mentioned states before submitting the visa application.

(1)Visa applicants   need to   log on   to   the website   “ China Online Visa Application (COVA) ”   to fill in the COVA   forms .

After completing the COVA forms as required, please   make sure to  print the full set of COVA forms (8-9 pages)  and  sign   on the Confirmation Page and the 8 th   page .   If the COVA forms   are   not prepared   as guided, the application will not be accepted.

(2)   The physical application documents   can be submitted to the Visa Office within the office hours   by the visa applicant or by an agent .

(3)  In addition to the printed   and   signed   COVA forms, visa applicants also need to prepare the physical   Required Documents (include   "A.Basic Documents"   and   "B.General Documents")    to   submit   on-site   to   the   Visa   Office. If the physical documents   do not meet the requirements   or not sufficient, the application may be returned, and the applicant   may need to fill in the COVA forms  again .

(4) Please check all the information on the visa is correct when picking up. If there is any inaccuracy, please tell the staff immediate ly in case inconvenience brought by the incorrect information. Credit card (Master or Visa card only), money order or cashier's check are accepted for on-site pick-up. 

III.  Processing Time and Fees

Regular service:  4 business days

Express service:  3 business days (urgent situation)

Note:  The above processing time is average and for reference only. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.

For visa processing fees, please  click   here .  

IV.Address and Contact Information of the Visa office

Address of the Visa Office :

2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite110, Washington, D.C. 20007 U.S.A.

Office Hours:

9:30-14:30 (Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays)

Email address: [email protected]

Phone number:

001-202-855-1555 (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays)

Face mask is required upon entry.

• 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

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How to Get A Chinese Tourist Visa | Application Guide and Tips

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on March 7, 2024 :

1. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

2. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

3. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

4. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

5. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

6. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

7. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

8. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China?

A China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is required for normal visit to mainland China. However, special visitors may travel to China without visa, such as, citizens of Singapore, Brunei and Japan could enjoy 15-day “no-visa” China tour, or transit passengers qualified for China’s 72 / 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit. Click Visa Free Policy of China to find out whether you need to get a visa for tour in China.

How Many Times can I Enter China on a Tourist Visa?

China Tourist Visa is divided into three kinds with different number of entries: single entry , double entries and multiple entries . That means you can enter China 1/2/many times during the validity of your China Visa. When applying, you should choose the intended number of entries based on the planed visit. Note that the visa will become invalid if entries have been used up, or the visa has expired.

Our American Clients Enjoyed Beijing Tour

What are the Requirements for China Tourist Visa Application?

Chinese Tourist Visa is issued to aliens who plan to visit China for tour. Visitors can apply Chinese Visa from overseas countries, at entry port on arrival or in China . This article mainly offer guide at Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Like all other visa categories, all applicants are required to prepare and submit necessary materials properly and truthfully. Read our step-by-step instruction to China Tourist Visa application below.

Basic Requirements

1. Passport

Original passport with a validity of at least 6 months, and at least one blank visa pages left. Also, make one copy of the data page & photo page, previous visa pages.

If you already use a new passport, a valid Chinese Tourist Visa is still in the old passport, you are allowed to use the two passport together to visit China if your purpose of visit remains the same.

2. China Visa Application Form

Log in the official website of COVA (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn), choose the country and city you will submit application. Create an new China Visa Application Form online, fill in the electronic form step by step, provide all personal information completely and truthfully. After careful check, save and submit the application form. The form cannot be changed once it is submitted. Print the completed form out, sign and date it.

3. Visa Photo

Two recently-taken (within the past 6 months) front passport-size bareheaded color photos. The photos need to taken against a white or light solid background, hatless, frontal view presenting full face. One photo shall be attached on the printed visa application form. China Tourist Visa Photo Requirements, Size >>

Paper Photo Size: 33mm×48mm

Digital Photo Size: horizontal: 354 - 420 pixels, vertical: 472 - 560 pixels

4. Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)

Provide the original and photocopy of the valid certificate or visa, which shows your legal stay, residence, work and study in the residing country (not in your home country).

China Tourist Visa Application Requirements

Fill in China Tourist Visa Application on Website of CVASC

5. Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)

Submit the original passport and a copy of the passport’s date page, if it’s the first time you apply for a Chinese Visa.

If you once obtained Chinese Visa, and now apply a new one with a new passport, you please provide the photocopy of the previous passport’s date page, and the old Chinese Visa. (Official certificate of name change is needed, if the name on the current passport is not the same on the old passport.) 

Supporting Documents

Relavant travel documents showing the itinerary, including booked refundable round-trip air tickets and hotel reservation record, proposed travel schedules and else materials, or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. 

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter

Invitation letter is one of the optional supporting documents for China Tourist Visa Application. To some extent, an Invitation Letter will help to explain your travel purpose, if you are indeed invited to visit China by friends, family or authorized travel agency. The letter should cover the following informations:

a. Information on the applicant (passport number, nationality, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b. Information on the planned tour (departure and arrival dates, places going to be visited, etc.) 

c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (the host company name or inviter’s name, contact telephone number, address, official seal of the unit, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual, and so on.)

Please visit Required & Supporting Documents for China Visa , if you apply for other type of China Visa, such as, China Business Visa, China Work Visa, etc.

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter (Sample)

How Do I Apply for A Tourist Visa to China?

Once know what documents are needed, let’s move to the most important processes for submission.

STEP 1: Check passport status, make photocopy of data page, used visa pages;

Prepare others travel materials, e.g. flight tickets, hotel booking record, rough travel itinerary, etc. If you have an true and valid invitation letter, provide it as well.

STEP 2: Fill in visa application form , print it out, paste one photo on the paper application form, and sign and write down the submission date;

STEP 3: Make online appointment , if you’re required to submit to China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Please use the application form ID to schedule appointment in advance.

Else applicants may visit visa section of overseas Chinese Embassy or Consulates during office hours. (you can check updated time on official website)

STEP 4: Bring all prepared documents, visit the right authority, CVASC or Chinese Embassy/Consulatem, wait for your order and submit. Pay visa fees and get a pick-up slip.

STEP 5: Collect passport and Chinese Visa (if granted successfully) back after tracing it has been processed and wait for pick up. With the slip, you may pick it up in person or entrust your friend, family, travel agency for help.

China Visa Service Center in Malaysia

Single-entry China Tourist Visa Issued in Vancouver, Canada (Old Version Used before June 1st 2019)

How Much is A Tourist L Visa for China?

China Tourist Visa Fees and cost differ by nationalities, number of entries and visa services, and where you submit.

* US Passport Holders: USD 140 for (Single/Double/Multiple) China Tourist Visa to 6 months, 1 year and above

* Canadian Passport Holders: CAD 100 for (Single/Double/Multiple) China Tourist Visa to 6 months, 1 year and above

* Single-entry Chinese Tourist Group Visa : CAD 40 for Canadians, USD 110 for US Citizens

China Visa Application Fees for Different Nationalities

Note of Payment: ① Embassy and Consulate only accept Master Card, Money Order, Cashier's Check or Company Check. Cash or Personal checks are not acceptable. ② China Visa Application Service Center just receives cash, debit cards, credit cards (Visa and Mater Card only) and company cheques. Know more details about China Vis Cost >>

How Long does It Take to Get A Tourist Visa to China?

Chinese Embassy and Consulate will start to process your application until all required documents submitted. Regular application takes about 4 working days , which you may pick up on the 4th or 5th working day. Express Service takes around 2-3 working days, that means, you may collect on the 3rd to 4th working day. Rush Service generally needs nearly 1 working day for processing, and applicants may obtain on the second working day. Same Day Rush Service for emergency entry is offered for applicants in US.

Useful Links: China Visa Processing Time | Fast China Visa Services

Special Notes:

1.) Express and Rush Service are not available in all foreign countries. If you want to use the services, please check on official website. If it’s valid, extra fees will be charged.

2.) If you apply for China Tourist Visa by mail in Australia, it takes at least 10 working days for processing, postal time is excluded.

3.) Visa processing time is listed for reference only, accurate time depends on personal situations. Chinese Embassy and Consulate may require supplementary materials if necessary.

Canadian Picked up Passport & Visa from Chinese Embassy

FAQs and Useful Tips about Chinese Tourist Visa

Q1: Is it easy to get a Chinese Tourist Visa?

It’s hard to say it’s easy or not to get a Chinese Tourist Visa, because there is no guarantee of issurance of a Chinese Visa, under any circumstances. Our advice is that, prepare all needed documents as required for maxmium success.

Q2: Where should US citizens apply for a China Tourist Visa?

Holders of US passports should submit application to corresponding Chinese Embassy or Consulate which is in charge of your area. If you reside in Washington DC, Montana, North Carolina, Virginia, you shall apply at Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C., and if you live in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, visit Consute in New York, more details in http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zmzlljs/t84229.htm.

Q3: Does Singaporean need visa for travel to China?

According to relevant China’s laws and regulations, citizens from Singapore may enjoy 15-day visa-free entry to China if he go for business, tour or family visit.You will need a Chinese Visa with intention to overstay and travel for other purposes.

Q4: What’s the maximum stay of a China Tourist Visa?

The accurate length of permitted stay is clearly marked on the visa page of your passport, which is normally 30 days. That means holder can stay in China for up to 30 days. The time counts from the 00:00 the day after entry and till 24:00 of the last day . Please enter before the “Valid For Entry By”, otherwise it will be expired and null.

If you will stay in China more than regular 30 days, you’re suggested to make it clear on the application form, and shown in related travel itinerary.

Trave China with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any support & help you need to travel to China. With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in mainland China, among all, Beijing , Shanghai are used as gate way cities, Xian , Guilin , Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.

You may choose from our most popular China tours, or just  contact us , tell your interests and travel plans, we could customze a perfect China tour as you like.

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Recommended Tours

Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

5 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour with West Lake Biking

Shanghai / Suzhou / Shanghai / Hangzhou

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How do I get a visa for China?

Oct 14, 2021 • 6 min read

The first step towards walking along the Great Wall is getting a visa for China © Hung Chung Chih / Shutterstock

Stretching from the steppes of Central Asia and Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Laos and Vietnam, China is a land of endless travel opportunities. Though the country shut up tight after the world’s first COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan in January 2020, China is making fast progress towards its 85% vaccination target and international tourism is expected to resume by 2022.

Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa for China, based on the requirements in place before the pandemic, which are likely to remain when China reopens to international tourists. Always check the latest regulations with the Chinese authorities before you travel.

Who Needs a Chinese Tourist Visa?

The majority of foreign nationals require a tourist visa (also known as an "L visa") to enter and visit mainland China, though a few nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas are easy to obtain from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, though the visa application process in some countries has been outsourced to a local branch of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center – their website has a handy list of locations and other useful country-specific information. To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent.

Can I travel visa-free to China?

Holders of passports from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes. Citizens of Brunei, Japan and Singapore get 15 days, citizens of the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Tonga, and the United Arab Emirates get 30 days, citizens of Mauritius get 60 days, and citizens of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and San Marino get 90 days.

Who can get a transit visa?

Visitors from 49 countries – including the US, Canada, UK, the EU, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil and Argentina – can spend up to 144 hours (6 days) transiting in China without a visa if they arrive by air, ship or train at selected Chinese cities. The list of cities includes Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xiamen, Wuhan, Kunming and Qingdao, opening up some interesting quick trip opportunities.   To be eligible, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry and proof of onward travel to a third country, or to Hong Kong or Macau . These visas start counting down at 12.01 am on the date following arrival and there are restrictions on where you can travel within each region. Check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the current list of eligible nationalities, entry points and specific movement areas.

What about Hong Kong and Macau?

Most nationalities do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days in either Hong Kong or Macau. British visitors to Hong Kong get 180 days, and South Africans get 30 days. To travel from here into China proper, a standard tourist visa is required. These are fairly easy to obtain via China Travel Service in Hong Kong.

Since May 2018, the Chinese resort island of Hainan has offered 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 59 countries including the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. You can’t leave Hainan island and travel to mainland China on this visa – if you want to roam deeper into China, you'll need a standard tourist visa.

How about Tibet?

To travel to Tibet by air, road or train, you'll need both a China tourist visa and a Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit. To obtain this mandatory travel document you must book a guide for your entire trip and pre-arrange private transport for trips outside Lhasa. No direct applications are accepted, which effectively means that Tibet can only be visited on an organized tour.

How to apply for a Chinese tourist visa

By far the most straightforward option is to apply in your home country. If your country of residence is different, the Chinese authorities may charge an extra processing fee for non-citizens. Either way, you’ll need to fill out a form giving a proposed itinerary for your trip (it’s advisable to never mention Xinjiang and Tibet in your application), plus a flight ticket, and proof of accommodation booked for your first night in China.

Some embassies require extra documentation, such as an invitation letter from a person or a company in China, bank statements, and documents proving your employment record. And your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiry date of your visa. 

Remember that it can be hard to obtain a Chinese tourist visa from an embassy or consulate outside your home country. Caravanistan publishes a useful list of which Chinese embassies accept applications from third-country citizens.

How much does a China tourist visa cost?

The cost of a Chinese tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa, the length of stay, the number of entries allowed, and your nationality. Most tourists pay around US$35 for a single entry visa valid for 30 days from the day you enter China. Reflecting frosty relations between China and some foreign governments, UK citizens pay £151, US citizens pay US$140, Canadian citizens pay C$142, Australian citizens pay A$109 and French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish citizens pay €126.

Some nationalities are entitled to long-term multiple-entry visas that allow travelers to visit China for stints of 30 to 120 days throughout the duration of the visa. Note these are not residence permits and do not grant any right to live or work in China. Citizens of the US, Canada, Argentina and Israel can obtain tourist visas with a validity of up to ten years, Brazilians and South Africans are eligible for tourist visas valid for up to five years, while citizens of the UK can get tourist visas lasting two years. Contact your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest fees for long-term visas.

How long is a Chinese visa valid for?

Regular China tourist visas are valid for 30 days and must be used within three (or six, if double-entry) months of their date of issue. Never overstay your visa: the fine is ¥500 a day, with the possibility of being deported and banned from re-entering China for the next five years. If you think you'll need to stay longer, start the process of applying for a visa extension well before your visa expires.

Can I extend my Chinese visa?

Chinese visas can be extended once without too much difficulty at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices found in larger Chinese towns and cities, though an extension is not guaranteed. The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/500 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.

Because of the complicated permit system, extending your stay in Tibet is impossible, and Xinjiang, Beijing and Shanghai can also be tricky places to extend a standard tourist visa. The Caravanistan website has some useful visa extension reports from travelers. A second extension is harder to get, and a third extension is extremely unlikely.

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• How to Apply
• Application Requirements
• China Visa Fees
• Entries /Validity /Duration
• 10-year China Visa
• Tourist (L)
• Business (M)
• 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• Hong Kong Visa Policy
• Macau Visa Policy
• Chinese Residence Permit
• Best China Tours
• China City Packages
• Luxury Packages
• Yangtze Cruise
• Tibet Discovery
• Yunnan Exploration
• Great Wall Tours
• Silk Road Adventure
• Budget Travel

Do I need a visa for China travel?

Before working out your China travel plan, it is important to check whether you are covered by the visa-free policies in China . Citizens of some countries, like France, Germany, and Italy can travel to China without a visa and stay for as long as 15 days. Mutual Visa Exemption between China and 23 countries including Singapore, Thailand, Qatar and UAE stipulates citizens of these countries stay in China for less than 15 days/ 30 days/ 90 days every 180 days without visa. For a majority of foreign visitors from other countries, the visa is obligatory, even if you hold a US, UK, or Canadian passport. However, if you meet the requirements, you may still enjoy visa-free travel by taking advantage of favorable visa-free schemes. Currently, visa-free transit options ranging from 24 to 144 hours have been adopted in quite a number of China's major tourist destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, enabling tourists to take a short tour in China.

How to apply for China visa?

How much does a china visa cost？.

The China visa fee is determined by factors such as your nationality, required number of entries, and whether you use express services. Here is a price schedule for your reference.  

How long does it take for China visa application?

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How to Visit China Without a Visa 2024 (Updated)

From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and Malaysia can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa for travel, business, transit, or visiting friends and family.

Starting March 14th, travelers from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can also enjoy this visa-free entry.

China's visa-free policies allow nationals of certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand to travel to China for stays ranging from 24 hours to 180 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.

If you want to plan a visa-free trip to China, just contact us.

Content Preview

• 1. 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies
• 2. 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies
• 3. 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies

4. Visa-Free Policy in Hong Kong and Macau

5. 6-day pearl river delta visa exemptions, 6. 6-day visa exemption for asean tour groups to guilin, 7. 15-day visa-free policy for singaporean & bruneian citizens, 8. shanghai 15-day visa-free policy for cruise groups, 9. hainan 30-day visa-free access, 10. apec business travel card holders, 11. holders of aliens' residence permits, 1. 144-hour visa-free transit policies: beijing, shanghai, guangdong....

Valid for : Travelers from 53 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand

Cities that can be visited : Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao; Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing; Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao; Chengdu; Xiamen, Kunming; Wuhan; Guangdong; Chongqing; Xi'an; and Ningbo.

One visa-free zone per transit : You can only visit the cities and their surrounding area covered by one policy zone before international transit, such as Shanghai and its surrounding area including Hangzhou and Suzhou or Beijing and its surrounding area including Tianjin. You can't travel from one visa-free zone to another: for example, Beijing to Shanghai visa-free travel is not allowed.

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at your entry airport.

Key Requirement : You will need to be transiting via China to a third region or country. Find out more requirements on 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy .

Will My Route Qualify for China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

Quick test: will my route qualify for china 72/144-hour visa-free transit.

1. I will depart from (only applies to direct or connected flight):

2. I will arrive in China at [city], [airport / railway station / port].

3. My arrival date is...

4. I will leave for [country/region] from China (the bounding destination on the air ticket):

5. My departure date is...

6. My nationality is...

8. I have Chinese visa refusal stamps in my passport.

You qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour visa-free policy.

You qualify to enjoy China's 144-hour visa-free policy.

You don't qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free policy.

Reason you don't qualify:

• You must be in transit to a third country or region.
• You must leave the city area (prefecture or municipality) after the 72/144 hours (the 72/144-hour limit is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day after arrival, i.e. 24:00 on the arrival date).
• Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months at the time of entry into China.
• Your passport nationality is not eligible for the 72/144-hour visa exemption program.
• You have Chinese visa refusal stamps in your passport.

For example, with a New York – Beijing (transit) – Frankfurt itinerary, you can visit Beijing visa-free, staying for up to 6 days.

An "essential" Beijing trip takes about 3–4 days, including its must-sees like the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Check out our 4-Day Beijing Private Tour .

New York – Beijing – New York doesn't meet the visa-free transit policy requirements, because the policy requires that you must transit from China to a third region or country.

However, you can take advantage of the convenience of Hong Kong and Macau, which are considered as separate regions in the policy. The itinerary New York – Beijing – Hong Kong – New York or New York – Hong Kong – Beijing – New York is doable visa-free.

Transiting in e.g. Hong Kong, you could even access two visa-free zones and return home, e.g. USA–Beijing–HK–Shanghai–USA visa-free!

Just contact us to plan a visa-free tour. We have been providing visa-free tour services for many clients since the introduction of such policies. For any questions/problems throughout your trip, our travel consultants provide 24/7 support.

Here are some appealing China tours that you can experience with the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit :

• 5-Day 5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou Bullet Train Tour
• 4-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, Water Town Culture Tour
• 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour
• 3-Day Chengdu Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour

2. 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: Guilin, Harbin, Changsha

Valid for : passport holders from 51 countries or regions, including the USA, the UK, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and Germany

Cities that can be visited : Guilin, Harbin, and Changsha

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at the entry airport.

The transit requirement : You need to be going via China to a third region or country. Click to learn more about 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit .

Recommended Visa-Free Tours

• 3-Day Essence of Guilin
• 1-Day Harbin Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

3. The 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Valid for : Almost all foreign tourists

Cities that can be visited : This policy applies to most major cities in China with an international airport, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Tianjin.

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at the airport.

Key requirement : You need to be going via China to a third region or country.

• 1-Day Beijing Highlights Tour
• 1-Day Shanghai Layover Tour

For most visitors, a visa is not required if traveling to Hong Kong and/or Macau.

Hong Kong : The former colony continues its liberal entry policies established by the British government. Citizens of about 160 countries can obtain visa-free entry for durations that range from 180 days to 7 days. For more detailed information, see Hong Kong's visa policy .

Macau : This territory's policies are more restrictive than those of Hong Kong. British nationals can stay for 6 months. Citizens of about 38 countries including those of the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea can stay for 90 days. For more, see Macau's visa policy .

For even greater travel opportunities, you can also plan a visa-free trip to the Chinese Mainland from Hong Kong or Macau by taking advantage of the visa-free policies mentioned earlier or the one below.

Recommended Visa-Free Tours from Hong Kong/Macau

• 5-Day Yangtze River Delta Bullet Train Tour
• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour

Just contact us to plan a trip from Hong Kong/Macau.

Valid for : international visitors traveling from Hong Kong and/or Macau

Cities that can be visited : those of the conurbation surrounding the Pearl River Delta including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Shantou.

How to apply : You will need to go with a registered travel agency, such as ours. The permitted tour group size ranges from three to 40 people including the guide.

• 4-Day Essence of Guangzhou and Shenzhen Tour
• 3-Day Kaiping and Foshan Tour

Valid for : ASEAN member citizens, including those of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines.

City that can be visited : Guilin

How to apply : You will need to join a group tour with a registered travel agency.

Recommended Tours

• 5-Day Guilin Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour
• 6-Day Guilin, Longsheng, & Yangshuo Relaxation
• 4-Day Guilin Scenic and Ethnic Discovery

Starting from July 26, Singaporean & Bruneian citizens holding ordinary passports can enjoy a 15-day visa-free policy for visiting China for business, tourism, family visit, and transit purposes.

• 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
• 8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili (Best for Summer)
• 8-Day North Xinjiang Tour with Kanas (Best for Autumn and Winter)

Valid for : Foreign tourist groups entering China via a Shanghai cruise

Cities that can be visited : You are not only allowed to visit Shanghai but also many other coastal municipalities (Beijing and Tianjin) and provinces (Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan).

Requirements : You must arrive and depart on the same cruise and be received by a Chinese travel agent at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal (or Wusong Passenger Center).

Valid for : Ordinary passport holders from 59 countries including the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Cities that can be visited : Hainan Island

Requirements : Groups and individual tourists must book their tour through an accredited travel agency that's approved by China's National Travel Administration and registered in Hainan Province.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card holders can simply enter China with the card without applying for a visa.

Travelers who hold a valid APEC business travel card can stay in China for up to 60 days.

No visa is required for those who hold aliens' permanent residence certificates issued by the People's Republic of China Public Security Bureau (PSB).

Foreigners visiting China for study, employment, or working as resident correspondents must apply for Aliens' Residence Permits with the PSB within a month of arrival in China.

Popular Visa-Free Tours

If you want to enjoy a hassle-free tour that maximizes limited time in China, just contact us . The following itineraries, and any other ideas you may have, can be customized by us to fit your length of stay and other needs:

• 1-Day Beijing Great Wall Layover Tour : Visit the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall
• 2-Week Riches of China
• 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 8 Days in China: Top 15 Tours and Itineraries (2024/2025)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK . 

Immigration authorities may check and collect biometric data (for example, scanned fingerprints and photos) to register your entry into China.

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering China.

Passport validity requirements 

To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in China and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.

Visa requirements 

You need a visa to visit mainland China. 

You can visit Hong Kong or Macao without a visa. See separate travel advice for Hong Kong and Macao . 

You can also visit the island of Hainan for 30 days without a visa. 

Visa-free transit through China is permitted, from 24 hours to 144 hours depending on location. See China Visa Application Centre for more information.  

If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China. 

Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you. 

If you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit. 

Applying for a visa 

If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre . If you’re aged 13 and under or aged 71 and over, you can only apply online. You must provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints) as part of your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The details of their opening hours are on their websites.  

The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply .

Dual Chinese-British nationality 

China does not recognise dual nationality. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy may not be able to offer you help. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be: 

• considered by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality 
• treated as a Chinese citizen, even if you used a British passport to enter China 

If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China .

Working in China 

You can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including: 

• imprisonment 
• deportation 
• an exit ban, which stops you from leaving China 
• an exclusion order, which stops you from returning 

Before you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location you’ll be working in. You can be fined or detained if details are incorrect, even if your employer or others have submitted the application on your behalf. 

If you change employer once you’re in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s China guide . 

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Registering with the Chinese authorities 

You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreigners’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

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• General Information
• How to get a Visa
• Step By Step Guidance(visa)
• Quick Access(visa)
• Step By Step Guidance(authentication)
• Quick Access(authentication)
• About the Visa Centre
• Office Hours & Location
• Legal Information
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Guide to Application for Chinese Visas

（ Updated 1 4 th   Mar . 202 3 ）

From the 1 5 th of March  202 3 , the visa requirements for visits to  China will be adjusted according to the latest notice from the Chinese Embass y  and Consulates in South Korea. The updated processing procedures and material requirements are as follows :

1. Please fill out your visa application form and make a reservation online through https://www.visaforchina.org . Please DON’T forget to  print out your visa application form as well as the reservation form in advance before submitting your application at the scheduled time .

2.  All Visa applicants must  submit the application documents  in person  and have their fingerprints collected.

Please be noted that fingerprint collection is not required for:  

a. Children under 14 years old or adults over 70 years old.

b. Diplomatic Passport Holders, diplomatic officials or courtesy visa applicants.

c. Applicants who have had fingerprints collected and have obtained Chinese visa issued by the same Chinese Embassy, Consulates, or the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers with the same passports within 5 years.

d. Applicants whose ten fingers are all  mutilated or whose fingerprints are not able to be collected.

Applicants  w ho don’t require fingerprint collection could entrust a third party to submit the application.

3.  D ocuments  for applying:

a.  Visa Application Form and Reservation Form.

b. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least 2 pieces of blank visa page s . A photocopy of the passport page that contains your photo, personal information, and signature.

c.  A  recent immigration certificate or entry confirmation slip  or a valid Korean alien registration card or a Korean visa (third-country citizens only)

d.  Previous   Chinese passport or previous   Chinese visa (suitable for Chinese nationality, and later joined foreign nationality) .

e. Specific document s for different visa categories:

f.  To apply for an emergency humanitarian visa, such as going to China for a funeral or visiting a critically unwell  patient, the deceased’s or patient’s identity document (such as a Chinese ID card or a foreigner passport, etc.), a death certificate  of the deceased  or a medical certificate a critical illness notice  of the patient issued by the hospital, relatives Proof of relationship  and other documents will be required for submission .

4. All Visa Categories mentioned above shall be applied via the Chin ese  Visa Application Service Center. You may contact our center for the specific procedures and requirements for issuing visa.

About the Chin ese  Visa Application Service Center:

Busan Chinese Visa Application Service Center

Address ： 5thFloor, C1 Haeundae I ’ PARK, 38 Marine City 2-ro Haeundae, Busan, the Republic of Korea.

Call: 051-9200800

Fax ： 051-920-0866

E-mail: [email protected]

5 . Please contact the Chinese embassy or consulates  in Korea for diplomatic and public service visas.

14 th   Mar. 2023

Chinese visa application service center

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Visa application: 9:00-15:00

Payment and collection: 13:00-15:00

NOTICE: Our visa counter will accept rush(express/urgent) service(3rd working day/2nd working day) application until 11:30.

Location： 5 th Floor, C1 Haeundae I’PARK , 38 Marine City 2-ro Haeundae, Busan, the Republic of Korea

Call：051-920-0800 ( Please leave your name and contact number by e-mail when the phone call cannot be connected )

Fax：051-920-0866

Email： [email protected]

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Visa-free travel boosts Southeast Asian tourism

Industry bounces back from slump, with chinese spending habits driving growth.

An influx of Chinese travelers in the past few months has enabled Southeast Asia's tourism industry to recover from the pandemic-induced slump, analysts say.

While China has long been one of the key travel markets for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, decisions made by Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand last year to waive entry requirements for Chinese tourists bolstered tourism receipts in the first two months of this year.

Visa-free access for Chinese tourists is a "facilitating factor" in boosting ASEAN tourism industry receipts, said John Paolo Rivera, associate director of the Dr Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism at the Asian Institute of Management in the Philippines.

Chinese tourists are the biggest spenders among travelers in Southeast Asia, Rivera said.

"Alongside the volume of Chinese tourists, the Chinese spending habit has driven consumption spending and the tourism contribution to GDP" in Southeast Asia, he said, noting tourist spending has helped the ASEAN travel industry to recover from losses posted during the pandemic.

Chinese tourists' spending has perhaps created the biggest influence on Singapore.

Official figures showed international visitor arrivals in the city-state reached 13.6 million last year, with China among the top three source markets. Tourism receipts reached $15 billion in the first nine months last year, and Chinese tourists were the biggest spenders with their total receipts hitting more than $1.7 billion, the Singapore Tourism Board said.

Flight connectivity

The board expects the tourism sector's recovery to continue this year through improved global flight connectivity and the implementation of the mutual 30-day visa-free travel between China and Singapore that started on Feb 9.

Yu Hong, a senior research fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said the mutual visa-free agreement has boosted the number of Chinese visitors to Singapore, especially during Spring Festival.

Singapore has always been a popular destination among Chinese tourists because of its geographical proximity, cultural similarities and the presence of many direct flights to and from Chinese cities, Yu said.

In Malaysia, officials welcomed passengers aboard China Eastern Airlines' inaugural flight on March 16 from Kunming in Yunnan province to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

Manoharan Periasamy, director-general of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board, said in a statement that this new route provides a "great opportunity" to bring in more Chinese tourists, especially after the visa-free policy took effect on Dec 1.

This year, Malaysia is eyeing 27.3 million international tourist arrivals, with 5 million expected to come from China.

Meanwhile, 3.96 million foreign tourists arrived in Thailand from Jan 1 to Feb 8, with those from China topping the list with 730,747 visitors, Thai government spokesman Chai Wacharonke was quoted in media reports as saying.

On March 1, the number of Chinese tourists to Thailand was up more than 30 percent compared with the corresponding period a year earlier, according to the online travel agency Trip.com, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Qin Jing, vice-president of Trip.com Group, said the implementation of mutual visa exemption in March holds significantly positive implications for the growth of tourism in both countries.

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China to waive visa fees for Nepali nationals

Rastriya samachar samiti.

KATHMANDU, APRIL 28

The People's Republic of China has decided to waive visa fees for Nepali citizens visiting the country.

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Pm calls for connecting nepalis across the world by means of language and culture, nepali nationals in portugal to receive passport services.

The Embassy of China in Kathmandu announced that starting May 1, 2024, no visa fees will be applied to Nepali nationals. This decision follows an agreement reached during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha to China last March.

The embassy clarified that while visa fees will be waived, express charges and other services will remain unchanged. This move aims to promote friendship between the two countries and facilitate mutual visits. The Nepali tourism industry has long advocated for fee-less visas for Nepalis, and this provision is expected to boost tourism between the two nations.

Maniraj Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, expressed optimism about the impact on tourism, noting that the traffic in both directions will benefit.

Statistics from the NTB show a rising trend in Chinese tourist arrivals in 2024. In March alone, 12,093 Chinese tourists visited Nepal, compared to 9,180 in February and 1,436 in January.

In 2023, a total of 60,878 Chinese tourists visited Nepal. The highest number of Chinese tourists prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was recorded in 2019, with 169,543 arrivals.

UML candidate continues to lead in Bajhang by-poll

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When U.S. Diplomats Visit China, Meal Choices Are About More Than Taste Buds

Visits to China by American officials like Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken can bring fame to local restaurants, as well as scrutiny to the dignitaries.

By Yan Zhuang

Beijing beer made with American hops, to highlight the trade relationship between the two countries. Tibetan food, to send a human rights message. Mushrooms with possible hallucinogenic properties, just because they taste good.

Where, what and how American dignitaries eat when they visit China is a serious matter. Choices of restaurants and dishes are rife with opportunities for geopolitical symbolism, as well as controversy and mockery. Chopstick skills — or a lack thereof — can be a sign of cultural competence or illiteracy.

An exorbitantly expensive meal can make an official look out of touch. Too cheap or informal, and you risk appearing undignified. Authenticity, history, cooking technique and taste can all affect the perception of a meal choice.

When Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken started a trip through China on Wednesday, part of the Biden administration’s efforts to stabilize the relationship between the two countries, some on Chinese social media wondered whether he would have time on his visit to Shanghai to stop and try some of the city’s famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

One recommendation that he do so came with something of a political warning: “Eating xiaolongbao is just like handling international relations,” a commentator wrote on Weibo . “If your attention slips even a little, you’ll burn your mouth.”

Mr. Blinken did in fact visit a renowned soup dumpling restaurant that night. It’s unclear how much he considered the symbolism of his dumplings, but by indulging in a traditional popular snack, and by attending a basketball game, the optics suggested there was a more cordial spirit than on the trip he made last year, soon after a Chinese spy balloon drifting across the United States had heightened tensions.

While in Beijing, Mr. Blinken visited a notable establishment, in addition to the city’s restaurants: Li-Pi Records. Mr. Blinken — a musician who has touted “musical diplomacy” — bought two records: an album by the Chinese rocker Dou Wei, and Taylor Swift’s “Midnights,” which he described as a successful American export.

Mr. Blinken’s eating habits have drawn far less interest than that of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Over two trips, this month and last year, her meals in China attracted so much attention that the state-run Global Times deemed it a form of “food diplomacy.”

Last year, Ms. Yellen made headlines when, at a restaurant in Beijing serving cuisine from Yunnan Province, she ate mushrooms that were revealed to be mildly toxic and could cause hallucinations if not cooked properly.

Ms. Yellen later said that she was not aware of the mushrooms’ potential hallucinogenic properties when she ate them and felt no abnormal effects. Still, the story sparked a brief craze for the mushrooms in China.

This month, during a four-day trip to China, Ms. Yellen visited a famed Cantonese restaurant in Guangzhou, and a Sichuan restaurant in Beijing. The dishes she ordered were quickly posted online, drawing broad approval from commenters for the variety and affordability of the dishes ordered, her chopstick skills and the fact that she and her team sat among other diners instead of in a private room.

The dishes Ms. Yellen and her team ordered were classic meals from their respective regions and were not modified to foreign tastes, according to Fuchsia Dunlop, a London-based cook and food writer who specializes in Chinese cuisine.

“They haven’t chosen really expensive, show-off dishes and ingredients,” Ms. Dunlop said, speaking about the Sichuan meal. “This is very much what everyday people in Sichuan like to eat. This menu was chosen for flavor, not prestige.”

According to a Treasury Department spokeswoman, the department generally solicits suggestions from staff at the local embassy for restaurant recommendations when Ms. Yellen travels. Then, Ms. Yellen will research the restaurants herself and make the final decision.

On occasion, specific establishments will be chosen to convey a diplomatic message, the spokeswoman added. She cited Ms. Yellen’s visit this month to a brewery in Beijing that uses American hops, aimed to highlight the significance of American agricultural exports to China.

Some restaurants where Ms. Yellen has dined have capitalized on her fame, like the Yunnan restaurant where she ate the mushrooms, which released a set menu based on what she ordered, called the “ God of Money ” menu, a nod to her position as Treasury secretary.

Ms. Yellen isn’t the first American dignitary to turn Chinese restaurants into overnight sensations. In 2011, a visit by then-Vice President Joe Biden to a Beijing noodle restaurant sent its business skyrocketing, according to Chinese state media, and led the restaurant to create a “Biden set” noodle menu.

In 2014, after Michelle Obama visited a hot pot restaurant in the city of Chengdu, the restaurant said it would create an “American First Lady” set menu. Articles in Chinese media noted approvingly that Mrs. Obama was able to handle the spicy soup, which was not toned down for a foreign palate.

Her visit to a Tibetan restaurant in the same city, however, attracted controversy, and her staff at the time readily acknowledged that the venue had been chosen deliberately to show support for the rights and religious liberties of Tibetans in China.

But for Mrs. Obama’s husband and other U.S. presidents, Chinese cuisine served at official state banquets is often Americanized or customized to better suit a foreign palette.

In 2009, President Barack Obama was served a Chinese-style beef steak and baked fish, according to Chinese state media, and in 2017, President Donald J. Trump ate dishes including kung pao chicken and stewed boneless beef in tomato sauce. Both meals finished with fruit ice cream, which is highly atypical of traditional Chinese meals.

But even those meals may hint at an international trend, Ms. Dunlop said. Mr. Obama’s menu contained “very safe, conservative choices that would be appealing to foreigners,” she said, while Mr. Trump’s menu was slightly more contemporary and showed off more Chinese cooking techniques.

That shift, Ms. Dunlop said, “may reflect China feeling a bit more confident with Westerners’ familiarity with real Chinese food” in 2017 versus 2009.

Ana Swanson contributed reporting.

Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news. More about Yan Zhuang