First Time in China: London to Shanghai Visa-Free Transit Adventure

FIRST TIME IN CHINA! London to Shanghai - Flying Air China 240 Hour Visa Free Transit πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
FIRST TIME IN CHINA! London to Shanghai - Flying Air China 240 Hour Visa Free Transit πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
Jess & Jay2025-10-271 hr 4 min

Here it is! We have always dreamed of visiting this beautiful country and now is the time to step out of our comfort zone, make the jump and head on over to China! We have a jam-packed 14 day itinerary to carry out and it's safe to say there are highs, lows and plenty of in-betweens! We are flying Air China from London Gatwick to Shanghai Pudong so will give you a full low-down what we think of the airline (especially the vegan meal they provide). Also, we give tips on how to get through customs and how we navigated the 240 hour Visa-free transit system. Enjoy!

--- Jess & Jay
October 27, 2025, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction and excitement for China
  2. 1:03Travel day begins
  3. 3:02Heading to Gatwick Airport
  4. 8:36Train picnic from Lovely Rutters
  5. 13:37Arrival at St. Pancras station
  6. 15:37At Gatwick Airport
  7. 17:07Shuttle to North Terminal
  8. 21:11Morning at Premier Inn
  9. 21:36Premier Inn Breakfast
  10. 25:19Flying with Air China
  11. 29:39Entering North Terminal
  12. 30:34Airport duty-free fragrances
  13. 33:28Airport overview and Harrods
  14. 37:33Waiting at the gate
  15. 41:51Boarding Air China flight
  16. 43:36Getting settled on the plane
  17. 52:16First in-flight meal
  18. 56:45Second in-flight meal
  19. 58:15Arrival in Shanghai
  20. 1:00:03Navigating Shanghai airport
  21. 1:03:22On the Maglev train
  22. 1:03:34Excited for Shanghai exploration

Jess and Jay begin their China trip from London to Shanghai, sharing travel tips, flight experiences, and arrival insights, culminating in a ride on the Maglev train.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Pack light for a two-week trip, utilizing hand luggage only. Layering clothing for travel outfits is also a smart strategy. (5:04)
  2. Tip 2For a perfect train picnic, visit Lovely Rutters in Sheffield. They offer delicious vegan options, including sandwiches and pastries. (8:46)
  3. Tip 3Be flexible with your diet when traveling. While Jess is vegan, Jay plans to eat vegetarian at most, embracing a flexible approach. (12:31)
  4. Tip 4Navigating airport hotels can be tricky. Follow signs carefully and don't be afraid to use shuttles if you take a wrong turn. (16:14)
  5. Tip 5Be prepared for check-in procedures with airlines like Air China, as they may require boarding passes at the desk rather than through an app. (25:25)
  6. Tip 6Traveling visa-free transit requires proof of onward travel to a third country. Print out all flight confirmations as backup. (28:11)
  7. Tip 7Airport security can be surprisingly speedy. Liquids may not need to be removed from bags in some terminals, making the process quicker. (29:54)
  8. Tip 8Airports offer various entertainment options, including bookstores and shops like Harrods, to pass the time before long flights. (33:36)
  9. Tip 9Always get a bottle of water before boarding your flight to stay hydrated during the journey. (37:58)
  10. Tip 10Prepare for early morning arrivals by bringing items to help you sleep on the plane, especially if you can't check into your hotel immediately. (49:49)
  11. Tip 11Booking special meals, like vegan options, in advance with airlines like Air China ensures your dietary needs are met. (52:02)
  12. Tip 12Payment methods like Alipay work seamlessly in China, making transactions easy with a mobile barcode. (1:00:14)
  13. Tip 13Pay close attention to arrival cards; filling out the wrong form can cause delays. Staff are usually available to guide you. (1:00:28)
  14. Tip 14Always carry printouts of your flight and onward travel details, as these are frequently requested by immigration officials. (1:01:40)
  15. Tip 15Experience the fastest train in the world, the Maglev, for a quick and exciting journey from the airport to the city. (1:03:01)

Jess and Jay's China adventure begins with an exciting journey from London to Shanghai, detailing their experience with Air China and the 240-hour visa-free transit. They share practical packing tips, a memorable vegan picnic on the train, and a humorous detour finding their airport hotel. The vlog offers insights into the Air China flight experience, from check-in to onboard amenities and meals, and their arrival in Shanghai, emphasizing the ease of using Alipay and navigating airport procedures. The journey culminates with a thrilling ride on the world's fastest Maglev train, setting the stage for their exploration of Shanghai.

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FIRST TIME IN CHINA! London to Shanghai - Flying Air China 240 Hour Visa Free Transit πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

Jess and Jay embark on their long-anticipated journey to China, starting with a flight from London Gatwick to Shanghai Pudong. The vlog captures the excitement and logistical planning involved in their 240-hour visa-free transit, offering viewers a glimpse into the process of navigating international travel. From the initial departure, marked by a full day of work before heading to the airport, to the overnight stay at a Premier Inn near Gatwick, the narrative builds anticipation for their adventure.

The couple shares practical tips on packing, highlighting their minimalist approach with hand luggage for a two-week trip. They detail their train journey to the airport, featuring a delightful vegan picnic from a Sheffield bakery, Lovely Rutters, which they highly recommend for its delicious offerings. This segment showcases their commitment to veganism and their enjoyment of local food experiences.

Upon reaching Gatwick, they navigate the process of finding their hotel, humorously recounting a minor detour that led them to the wrong Premier Inn. This relatable travel mishap adds a touch of authenticity to their journey. The vlog then transitions to the morning of their flight, with a hearty Premier Inn breakfast before heading to the North Terminal.

Their experience with Air China is thoroughly documented, from the check-in process where they needed to present proof of onward travel to their impressions of the cabin. They discuss the airline's app, the comfort of the seats, the entertainment selection, and importantly, the quality of the vegan in-flight meals. The journey itself is portrayed as surprisingly smooth, with ample legroom, comfortable amenities, and a good selection of films, including a highly recommended emotional drama, "Nowhere Special."

Upon arrival in Shanghai, Jess and Jay share their initial impressions and practical advice for navigating the airport. They highlight the seamless functionality of Alipay, the importance of filling out the correct arrival card, and the necessity of having printed flight details. The vlog concludes with their exciting ride on the Maglev train, the fastest in the world, setting the stage for their exploration of Shanghai and the rest of their China adventure.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the vegan food like on Air China?
A: The vegan meals were delicious! We had a spicy rice with vegetables and a vegan fry-up for breakfast, both packed with flavor.
Q: Was the 240-hour visa-free transit in China complicated?
A: It requires careful planning, especially having proof of onward travel to a third country, but it's manageable with the right documentation.
Q: How was the experience of flying Air China for the first time?
A: We were impressed with the comfort, legroom, and entertainment selection. The vegan meals were a definite highlight.
Q: What's the fastest train in the world like?
A: The Maglev train is an incredible experience, whisking you from the airport to the city at astonishing speeds!
Q: Is it easy to use payment methods in Shanghai?
A: Yes, payment methods like Alipay work flawlessly, making transactions simple and quick.
Q: What's the most important tip for entering China?
A: Always have printed copies of your flight and onward travel details, as they are frequently requested by immigration.

First Time in China: London to Shanghai Visa-Free Transit Adventure

Here it is! We have always dreamed of visiting this beautiful country and now is the time to step out of our comfort zone, make the jump and head on over to China! We have a jam-packed 14 day itinerary to carry out and it's safe to say there are highs, lows and plenty of in-betweens! We are flying...

China Travel Vlog: London to Shanghai Visa-Free Transit & Maglev Train

Embark on an unforgettable journey as Jess & Jay take their first leap into the vibrant heart of China! From London to Shanghai, this couple's adventure is packed with incredible sights, thrilling experiences, and heartwarming moments. Discover the magic of a 240-hour visa-free transit and get insider tips on navigating customs. Join them as they explore this captivating land, sharing their genuine reactions and unforgettable memories.

Attractions in this video: Shanghai Disneyland, The Bund