From touchdown to hotel lobby — here is exactly what happens, in order.
Step 1: Arrival declaration
Fill in the arrival card on the plane, or complete the online version up to 24 hours before landing through the National Immigration Administration website. Keep the confirmation QR code handy.
Step 2: Immigration
- Follow "Arrivals / Foreigners" signs
- Fingerprints and photo are taken at the desk (ages 14–70)
- Officer may ask: purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long. Short honest answers
- Visa-free transit passengers: use the dedicated 240-hour lane and show your onward ticket
Step 3: Baggage and customs
Collect bags, then walk through the green channel unless you have something to declare (see Customs guide).
Step 4: Get connected
Before leaving the terminal:
- Activate your eSIM, or buy a tourist SIM at the China Unicom/Mobile kiosk (passport required)
- Optional: withdraw ¥300–500 backup cash from a bank ATM (ICBC, Bank of China machines accept foreign cards)
Step 5: Into the city
Choose based on arrival time (see Airport Transfer guide for details):
- Airport express + metro — cheapest, until ~23:00
- Official taxi queue — follow signs, never accept rides from solicitors inside the terminal
- Didi — book in the app, meet at the designated ride-hailing zone
At the hotel
Check-in requires your passport — the hotel registers you with the police automatically (this is normal). Keep the registration slip if given one.
Arriving after 23:00? Metro lines will be closed. Use the official taxi rank or Didi; ignore anyone offering rides inside the arrivals hall.