China's National Immigration Administration published a question-and-answer guide on July 4, 2025, explaining how foreign nationals should calculate visa-free stays under mutual visa exemption agreements.
The guide explains that the 180-day period is calculated separately for each traveler by counting backward 180 days from any given day since entry. Visa-free stays are limited to 30 days per visit, with a cumulative maximum of 90 days within the relevant 180-day period. Time spent in China with a visa, residence permit or other exit-entry document is not included in that visa-free calculation.
Travelers must leave China before their visa-free period ends. The guide also confirms that foreign nationals staying in a private residence, rather than a hotel, must complete accommodation registration within 24 hours of arrival through the local public security authority. Hotels submit the registration on the guest's behalf.