Last month, I visited China as an American—without going through a multi-week visa application process. This is thanks to a recent policy introduced in 2024 that allows certain travelers to visit China for a maximum of 10 days while transiting between one country and another. Though the rule can feel intimidating in theory, it’s relatively straightforward in practice as long as you prepare accordingly.

Officially called the “ 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy ," the program is part of China’s goal to attract more inbound international travelers, according to Mei Zhang , the founder of WildChina and a Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist. “The idea is to make visiting China an easier decision,” Zhang says. “Most people are daunted by the idea of queuing for a visa at the Chinese consulate. Removing that step makes it easier for people to come.”

And even though the policy is designed for transiting between countries, 10 days is still enough time for a meaningful visit.…