Visa-free transit lets citizens of many countries stop over in China free: policies run 24, 72 or 144 hours (by port and nationality).
The 144-hour rule: a ticket to a third country, passport valid 6+ months, entry via a designated port, stay under 144 hours (6 days), and you cannot leave the designated province or city.
Ports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi an among major cities offer 144-hour transit; a temporary entry permit is issued at the port.
Baggage: on through-tickets (one booking), bags go direct; otherwise collect and re-check them - allow 3+ hours for transfers.
Domestic-to-international and reverse: confirm terminals; some airports need shuttle buses; after entry, domestic flights need fresh check-in.
Note: transit exemptions do not work "in reverse" (leave China, return via a third country); inform border police of itinerary changes - overstaying is illegal.
