The National Immigration Administration implemented this month a series of policies to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into China. Airports in eight cities -- Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Xian -- now offer 24-hour direct transit service, exempting passengers from some border inspection formalities.

The program applies to travelers who hold international connecting flight tickets within 24 hours and are transiting through these airports to a third country or region. Eligible travelers can transit without a visa and bypass some border inspection procedures.