London, Essex to Hangzhou (STN–HGH) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter China visa-free for stays up to 30 days under the unilateral exemption policy extended through at least December 31, 2026. This covers tourism, business visits, family visits, and transit. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. No advance application or fee. You cannot convert this entry to a work or residence permit once inside the country.

Fill out the arrival card on the plane or at the immigration hall. Officers may ask for your itinerary, hotel bookings, and return ticket, though this is inconsistent. If you plan to stay beyond 30 days or engage in work, study, or journalism, apply for the appropriate visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in London before departure (processing 4 to 7 working days, fees from $198 for single entry).

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing (PEK) run about 9 hours 40 minutes, to Shanghai (PVG) about 11 hours 20 minutes. Air China, China Eastern, and British Airways operate nonstop. China uses the renminbi (CNY), trading at roughly 7.25 CNY per $1. Western bank cards work at ATMs and major hotels but many local businesses use WeChat Pay and Alipay exclusively. Both apps now allow linking foreign Visa/Mastercard cards for payment. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals.

Metro Line 7 connects the airport to the city. Transfer to Line 1 or Line 2 for most central destinations including the West Lake area; total journey 60–80 minutes (¥7–10). Operating hours: 6am to 11pm.Taxis to the city centre cost ¥70–110 (metered). DiDi ride-hailing is cheaper and convenient. Airport shuttle coaches (¥20–30) run fixed routes to major hotels. Car rental is available at the terminal. Hangzhou is a 45-minute high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao if connecting overland.

Humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and extremely humid (30–38°C) with heavy monsoon rainfall June through September. Thunderstorms and the Meiyu (plum rain) season in June cause regular delays. Typhoons from the South China Sea occasionally affect the region in August–September.

Winters are cold but rarely severe (0–8°C) with occasional frost and light snow. Spring (April–May) is rainy and foggy, which can reduce runway visibility. October and November are the most pleasant and reliable for travel.