Threads about transiting in China have been on the rise during the past ~18 months. In most cases, I take a position similar to jie jie's; PEK/PVG/CAN are not in the same league as HKG/NRT/SIN/ICN. While the new facilities might be fancy on the surface, the Chinese just don't get "it" yet. Along these lines, I read an interview with the architect that designed PEK-T3 (also HKG and a few other landmark airports), the gist of which, is that he was disappointed with how it turned out,.... solid construction, but lacking in soft touches.

But, that's neither her nor there because none of us are likely to affect meaningful change any time soon.

Conclusion (that requires a few more premises to hold, but just go with it):

-anyone contemplating a China transit should plan on spending a night or more there
-this goes double for those who attempt NYC/SFO-PEK-SIN/BKK on CA (~9-hour layover capped off with a red eye!); I have a long list of complaints from friends and FTers who thought they had the stamina for that