China Visa-Free for Belgians: What You Need to Know in 2025

Traveling to China from Belgium Just Got Easier – No Visa Required

Thanks to China’s expanded visa-free policy, Belgian travelers can now visit China without the need for a visa, making the travel to China for tourism, business, or family visits easier than ever. Whether you’re planning a cultural getaway, attending meetings, or passing through on a longer journey, this simplified entry process allows for more spontaneous and flexible travel. However, it’s important to understand the key details of the policy—like how long you can stay and the types of visits allowed—to make the most of your trip. This visa-free arrangement marks a new chapter in China-Belgium relations and opens the door for more Belgians to discover the rich history, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes of China.

The Details of Visa-Free Travel to China for Belgians

As of November 30, 2024, Belgian citizens can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days per entry. This major update is part of China’s expanded visa-free entry policy, aimed at boosting tourism and business after the pandemic.

Belgium was initially part of a smaller group of EU countries (including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain) granted 15-day visa-free entry earlier in 2024. Now, under the expanded policy, the stay has been extended to 30 days, making travel to China even easier for Belgians and bigger group of EU countries that included.

Who qualifies?

• Belgian citizens with ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports
• Traveling for tourism, business, family visits, or transit
• No visa or pre-approval needed before arrival

Important to note:

• The policy is in effect from November 30, 2024 through at least the end of 2025
• Stays longer than 30 days still require a visa, so plan ahead if you intend to stay longer
• Always check with the Chinese Embassy in Brussels for the latest requirements or updates

What to visit in China for 30 days

China is an incredibly vast and diverse country, offering a wealth of experiences for travelers and adventurers alike. With a 30-day visa-free stay, you have the perfect opportunity to explore its rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to ancient landmarks, cultural traditions, or breathtaking scenery, there’s something for everyone. Most travelers begin their journey in gateway cities like Beijing or Shanghai, which are excellent starting points for discovering the best that China has to offer.

Things to do and visit in Beijing

Great Wall of China: Visit one of the most iconic symbols of China. The sections near Beijing like Mutianyu and Badaling are well-preserved and offer stunning views.

Forbidden City: Explore the largest palace complex in the world, home to Chinese emperors for over 500 years, showcasing China’s traditional architecture and cultural heritage.

Temple of Heaven: A beautiful example of Ming Dynasty architecture, where emperors would pray for good harvests. It’s also a peaceful park for walking and observing local life.

Summer Palace: An exquisite imperial garden, known for its beautiful landscapes and elaborate pavilions along Kunming Lake.

Tiananmen Square: One of the largest public squares in the world, surrounded by significant buildings like the Great Hall of the People and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Hutongs: Wander through Beijing’s traditional alleyways in a rickshaw or on foot to experience the city’s local lifestyle, charming old houses, and quaint shops.

National Museum of China: Offers a deep dive into Chinese history and culture, from ancient times through the modern era, housing an impressive collection of artifacts.

798 Art Zone: A contemporary art district filled with galleries, studios, and cafes, showcasing China’s modern art scene in a converted industrial area.

These destinations offer a mix of historical, cultural, and modern experiences that highlight the richness of Beijing’s heritage and its evolution into a contemporary metropolis. Check out these Beijing tours if you can’t decide what to visit on your own.

Things to visit in Shanghai

Shanghai offers a blend of modern marvels and historical treasures. Here are some popular things to do and visit:

The Bund: Stroll along this famous waterfront area for iconic views of Shanghai’s skyline, including colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers across the Huangpu River.

Shanghai Tower: Visit China’s tallest building and the world’s second-tallest for breathtaking views from its observation deck.

Nanjing Road: Dive into Shanghai’s premier shopping street, bustling with stores, eateries, and historic sites stretching from The Bund to People’s Square.

Xintiandi: Discover a stylish neighborhood with a mix of old Shikumen houses and modern boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s past and present.

Shanghai Museum: Visit one of China’s most impressive museums, showcasing vast collections of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy.

Oriental Pearl Tower: An iconic symbol of Shanghai, offering panoramic views of the city, a revolving restaurant, and an exhibition on Shanghai’s history.

Tianzifang: Wander through this charming arts and crafts enclave set within traditional alleyways, filled with art galleries, craft stores, and quirky cafes.

Zhujiajiao Water Town: Take a day trip to this ancient water town on the outskirts of Shanghai, featuring traditional architecture, canals, and bridges reminiscent of old China.

Shanghai is a city that beautifully marries the old with the new, offering visitors a rich tapestry of experiences that capture the essence of China’s rapid modernization alongside its deep cultural roots.

Visit Xi’an

Visiting Xi’an, you’ll find yourself at the heart of China’s ancient history and cultural depth. Here are the top things to see and do:

Terracotta Army: Discover this world-famous archaeological site, home to thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, to protect him in the afterlife.

Xi’an City Wall: Cycle or walk atop one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, offering panoramic views of the city within and beyond.

Muslim Quarter: Explore the bustling lanes of the Muslim Quarter for a taste of Xi’an’s vibrant street food, unique souvenirs, and the Great Mosque, blending Chinese architecture with Islamic practice.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit this iconic Buddhist pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty, that holds sacred Buddhist materials brought from India. The surrounding Da Ci’en Temple complex and gardens are also worth exploring.

Shaanxi History Museum: Delve into China’s rich history with artifacts from Xi’an’s past, including Tang Dynasty pottery, ancient bronzes, and terracotta figures.

Bell Tower and Drum Tower: These two symbols of the city offer insight into Xi’an’s defensive structures and provide a glimpse into the musical traditions of ancient China.

Mount Hua (Huashan): For adventure seekers, a day trip to one of China’s five sacred mountains offers breathtaking views, steep climbs, and Taoist temples nestled in its peaks.

Hanyangling Museum: Visit this lesser-known tomb of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty, featuring miniature terracotta figures and a unique underground museum experience.

Xi’an is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese culture and history, offering visitors a profound glimpse into the country’s past with its remarkable preservation of historical sites and dedication to cultural heritage.

Visit Chengdu

Visiting Chengdu offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, culinary delights, and natural beauty. Here are the top things to see and do:

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: Meet the iconic and adorable giant pandas in a conservation center dedicated to their survival, just a short trip from Chengdu city center.

Jinli Ancient Street: Step back in time on this bustling street, known for its traditional Qing Dynasty architecture, teahouses, and shops selling local crafts and snacks.

Wuhou Shrine: Explore this memorial temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of the Three Kingdoms period, located within a peaceful garden setting.

Sichuan Opera: Experience the dramatic flair of Sichuan Opera, famous for its face-changing art, fire-spitting, and elaborate costumes, in a local theater.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: A must-visit for animal lovers, this research base is home to giant pandas and red pandas, offering a close-up look at their daily lives in a setting designed to mimic their natural habitat.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System: Visit this ancient engineering marvel that has been irrigating the Chengdu plain for over two millennia, preventing floods and nurturing its rich agricultural land.

Sichuan Cuisine Museum: Dive into the spicy world of Sichuan cuisine with cooking classes and exhibitions detailing the history and variety of local dishes.

Leshan Giant Buddha: A day trip to see the largest stone Buddha in the world, carved into a cliff face, is well worth the journey for its impressive scale and the beautiful surrounding landscape.

Chengdu, with its laid-back lifestyle, teahouses dotting every corner, and streets alive with culinary adventures, epitomizes the essence of Sichuan’s rich cultural and historical heritage, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Visit Chongqing

Chongqing, one of China’s most dynamic megacities, is a gateway to the Yangtze River and a treasure trove of spicy cuisine, dramatic landscapes, and unique urban culture. Here are the top things to see and do:

Ciqikou Ancient Town: Wander through this well-preserved old town with cobbled streets, tea houses, and shops selling handmade crafts and spicy street snacks. It’s a charming escape into Chongqing’s historic past.

Three Gorges Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Yangtze River and the massive Three Gorges Dam project. This modern museum offers insight into the area’s natural wonders and engineering feats.

Yangtze River Cableway: Glide over the Yangtze River in this historic cable car, once a daily commuter route, now a thrilling way to see the skyline and river that define Chongqing.

Hongya Cave (Hongyadong): This multi-level shopping and dining complex clings to the cliffs above the river, with neon lights and wooden facades that create a surreal blend of old-world architecture and modern nightlife.

Wulong Karst National Geology Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located outside the city, this park is known for its towering limestone bridges, sinkholes, and caves—famously featured in the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Dazu Rock Carvings: Take a day trip to this extraordinary site filled with intricate Buddhist sculptures carved into cliffs over 1,000 years ago. It’s one of China’s most important religious and artistic legacies.

Spicy Chongqing Hotpot: No visit is complete without sampling the city’s signature dish—fiery hotpot served with thinly sliced meats and vegetables. The bold flavors reflect Chongqing’s lively spirit.

With its dramatic hills, neon-lit skyline, and fiery food scene, Chongqing is a thrilling destination that offers a raw and authentic slice of urban China, far from the well-trodden tourist path.

Popular nature attractions

China’s diverse landscapes offer numerous natural attractions, from towering mountains to serene lakes. Here are some popular nature attractions in China:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, it inspired the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.” The park is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Jiuzhaigou Valley: Known for its multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks, offering stunning views, particularly in autumn.

Mount Huang (Huangshan): Renowned for its granite peaks, Huangshan’s misty landscapes are a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature.

Yangtze River and the Three Gorges: The longest river in Asia, featuring the Three Gorges, which are known for their natural beauty, historical significance, and the impressive Three Gorges Dam.

Guilin and Li River: The karst landscapes along the Li River, particularly between Guilin and Yangshuo, are celebrated for their ethereal beauty, best enjoyed on a river cruise.

Yunnan Stone Forest: An impressive set of limestone formations located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, resembling petrified trees, creating the illusion of a forest made of stone.

Tianmen Mountain: Notable for its natural archway, Tianmen Cave, and the long winding road leading up to it, as well as a glass skywalk offering breathtaking views.

Yellow Mountain (Huangshan): Famous for its sunrises, seas of clouds, twisted pines, and hot springs, Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s major tourist destinations.

These attractions showcase the stunning natural diversity of China, from its high mountain peaks to its tranquil rivers and unique geological formations.

Final Thoughts

The newly updated visa-free travel policy between Belgium and China, starting November 30, 2024, is exciting news for Belgian travelers. It allows you to visit China without a visa for up to 30 days—whether you’re going for tourism, business, to visit family, or just passing through. With more time to explore, you can experience everything from Beijing’s iconic landmarks to Shanghai’s modern skyline, the pandas in Chengdu, or the Terracotta Army in Xi’an—all at your own pace.
This 30-day visa-free entry for Belgians not only makes planning easier and more spontaneous, but also brings Belgium and China closer together. It’s a great chance to dive into China’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible food scene—without the stress of visa paperwork. Just be sure to plan your trip well to make the most of this extended opportunity. China awaits!