Country Guide: China

Asia
Written By Cat

Published: August 2026

Introduction

China remains one of the world’s largest and most important commercial markets, combining enormous consumer demand with sophisticated manufacturing, technology and supply-chain ecosystems. For UK companies, opportunities span financial and professional services, healthcare and life sciences, education and skills, technology, advanced manufacturing, consumer goods and premium food and drink. The UK Government’s export guide identifies China as the UK’s sixth-largest export market, with UK exports worth £31.4 billion in the four quarters to Q4 2025. Total bilateral trade was approximately £104.9 billion over the same period, making China the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner.

Recent engagement has also intensified: in 2026 the two governments established a Bilateral Services Partnership and began exploring a possible trade-in-services agreement, while July’s UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission focused on expanding commercial opportunities. China can nevertheless be a complex market: regulation, intellectual property protection, data rules, localisation and market-access requirements demand careful preparation and experienced local advice.

Business Travel

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are the principal commercial hubs, with Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou and other major cities important for particular industries. Direct UK–China air services operate on major routes, while China’s extensive domestic aviation network and high-speed rail system make internal travel comparatively efficient. Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun are among the country’s busiest airports.

British citizens can currently enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friend visits or transit until 31 December 2026. Paid work, longer assignments and stays exceeding 30 days require the appropriate visa. Passports should have at least six months’ validity on arrival and two blank pages. Visitors must register their residence within 24 hours; hotels normally do this automatically.

Use reputable hotels, licensed taxis or established ride-hailing services, and plan digital payments and internet access before travelling. Business culture values punctuality, seniority, relationship-building and well-prepared introductions; exchanging bilingual materials can help. FCDO notes that serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but travellers should understand China’s broad national-security laws and monitor current travel advice. Yellow-fever certification is required only when arriving from specified risk countries.

For more information about business travel to China from the UK, contact a UK-based travel management company (tmc) such as Global Travel Management.

Events and Exhibitions

China’s exhibition calendar provides exceptional access to buyers, distributors, suppliers and policymakers.

  • Canton Fair, Guangzhou – held in spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November). China’s flagship comprehensive trade fair covers electronics, manufacturing, vehicles, consumer goods, textiles, healthcare and more. https://cief.cantonfair.org.cn/en

  • China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), Beijing – usually summer; the 2026 edition ran 22–26 June. Covers advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technology, smart vehicles, agriculture and healthcare. https://en.cisce.org.cn

  • China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), Beijing – typically September, focused on financial, digital, professional, education, health, transport and other services. Particularly relevant to UK services exporters. https://www.ciftis.org

  • China International Import Expo (CIIE), Shanghai – 5–10 November 2026. Import-focused exhibition covering food and agriculture, automotive, intelligent industry, consumer goods, medical equipment and services. https://www.ciie.org/

Shipping and Logistics

China has world-scale freight infrastructure. Shanghai is the leading container gateway, handling more than 55 million TEU in 2025; Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are also major ports. Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun lead China’s air-cargo market, supported by major freight facilities in Shenzhen, Beijing and other hubs.

UK–China sea freight commonly moves through major European and Asian hub networks, while air freight is preferable for urgent, high-value or temperature-sensitive consignments. Rail services between China and Europe can provide an intermediate option, although routings and geopolitical exposure should be checked with freight specialists.

Importers should confirm commodity classification, duties, VAT, product standards, labelling, licences and inspection/quarantine requirements before shipment. China Customs (GACC) administers customs control, tariffs, border health, food safety and animal/plant quarantine. China and the UK do not have a bilateral free-trade agreement. Bonded zones, pilot free-trade zones and special customs arrangements can benefit particular supply chains, but eligibility is product- and location-specific. Use an experienced customs broker or freight forwarder and establish Incoterms, importer-of-record responsibilities and documentation requirements before dispatch.

Useful Links and Contacts for UK Businesses

Cat
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