Originally Posted by
gattboy
so in my case can I buy, an sfo-nrt RT and then a seperate CX award nrt-pvg with an overnight in HKG so I will clear customs there, and then a oneway back from pvg to nrt to catch the other leg of the rt?
just to note that Hong Kong and China customs are separate entities - you need to clear full immigration at both. Entry to HK is not the same as entering China.
Otherwise - as other posts have indicated - you can transit China without visa for a limited time. Check the Chinese embassy website in your country citizenship for further information.