Millar will tee off in the prestigious HSBC Champions event in Shanghai on Thursday morning as he climbs a massive mountain in a field of superstars.

Millar, 40, made a dash back to Canberra earlier this week to pick up his travelling visa before flying to China for a rich world golf championship tournament.

He will take on the likes of Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Bubba Watson and Lee Westwood in a field boasting 40 of the world's top 50 players.

It's a giant leap for Millar, who plies his trade on the Australian circuit and finished third in the Order of Merit last year.

But unfazed by the challenge before him, Millar is relaxed and ready to give himself every chance of taking home a slice of the massive prize pool.

"You get to the hotel and you're surrounded by the biggest names in the game," Millar said.

"There's quite a buzz around the place ... I went into the locker room and there was a new bag there for me, golf balls and gloves stacked up in my locker ready to go.

"Those things don't normally happen ... this is a strange one for me. You look at the quality of the field, it's not a case of you can't win or do any good.

"But you know you've got to be at your absolute best and get a game plan in your head."

Millar knows the odds are stacked against him, but the wet weather in Shanghai could play into his hands if tournament organisers decide to change the layout because of the rain.

The 6644-metre course at the Sheshan Golf Club  doesn't suit Millar's game while the big hitters of international golf, including Watson, will thrive on the long, tough holes.

"To come over here and have one practice round, and with the length of the course, it's pretty difficult," Millar said.

"The best way for me to do it is to just go out and play on the day, see how conditions are playing and progress from there.

"I think that's the mentality I've got to have rather than trying to set too many goals to work towards. In such a good field you could play really well but still not get the desired result.

"I think I'll just take each one as it comes along, that's the best way I think I can manage the week."

Millar will return to Australia next week to play in the NSW Open and the Australian Open before shifting his focus to Japan to try to secure a tour card in Asia.

"To come to a big event like this, it gives you a chance to see where you're at and it's a huge bonus," Millar said.

"Hopefully I can start it will and take it into the rest of the summer in Australia."