Since the implementation of the 144-hour transit visa exemption policy this January, foreign visitors spend an average of 102 hours (about 4.3 days) transiting in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, a year-on-year rise of 41 hours.

The policy, first put into effect on Jan 30, can be enjoyed by visitors from 51 countries, including the US, UK, Russia, Australia and Japan. Previously, they could only apply for the 72-hour transit visa exemption.

For the period ending Aug 13, more than 14,000 foreign visitors who transited in Shanghai Pudong International Airport have benefited from the policy.

According to Ctrip, an online travel services provider, the number of foreign visitors who chose to transit in China and stay for over 24 hours during the first half of 2016 increased by 268 percent. The number of people transiting through Shanghai Pudong, Shangnhai Hongqiao and Nanjing Lukou airports saw growth of 311, 318 and 433 percent respectively.

Visitors taking advantage of the policy must have valid international travel documents and an air ticket for a confirmed connecting flight out of China, within 144 hours. They may not leave the administrative precincts of Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.