Shanghai is set to open a groundbreaking international business zone near Pudong International Airport by the end of 2025, designed to streamline global trade and foster economic openness through visa-free access and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone, spanning 880,000 square meters, was approved by China’s State Council in February 2024.
It will feature relaxed visa rules, seamless transit links, and facilities geared toward international commerce.
READ MORE: Sunbathers in hysterics as hotel plays The Chase theme tune around swimming pool
Foreign visitors entering through Pudong airport can stay in the zone for 30 days without a standard visa if invited by a registered business, with options for extensions and on-site port visas.
The zone will operate under a two-tier border system, enabling swift entry from abroad while maintaining full customs checks for travel into the Chinese mainland.
Facilities will include conference and exhibition centers, office spaces for global firms, and retail outlets supporting foreign payment systems and tax refunds. International-standard healthcare will also be available on-site.
Strategically positioned between Pudong airport and the forthcoming Shanghai East Railway Station—set to serve 60 million passengers annually—the zone will benefit from a 10-minute shuttle connection and synergy with the China International Import Expo.
With shops, digital infrastructure, and ultra-low energy buildings amid green pedestrian spaces, the zone aims to offer a sustainable, user-friendly environment.
Once completed, it will be the first area in China to integrate free trade of goods and services, cross-border mobility, and professional business support under a unified system. Its launch coincides with the 35th anniversary of Pudong’s development, and full operations are expected by 2030.
For more, visit Shanghai Eastern Hub IBCZ.
Source: Shanghai to Launch Visa-Free Business Zone Near Pudong Airport to Boost International Trade
