Ningbo will open non-stop flights to Japan from Feb 17, according to China Eastern Airlines' Zhejiang branch.

When the new flight opens, passengers leaving for Japan will no longer have to transfer in Shanghai or Hangzhou.

On Jan 19, Japan began to relax requirements for three-year, multi-entry visas and the availability of five-year, multiple-entry visas for high-income groups, said a consul at the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai.

Additionally, China Eastern Airlines' Zhejiang branch will open direct flights to Osaka and Shizuoka from Feb 17.