Originally Posted by
moondog
You absolutely can leave the airport; we've had several threads about this in recent months, and the verdict is unambiguous. For more information, run a search for timatic + China.
I respect most of your posts in this forum, but that is unambiguous? How about what's printed in a few official Chinese government websites? (bold are mine).
China Embassy in Washington, DC:
Visas are not required of aliens who hold air tickets to the final destination and have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.
China Visa Office in London:
Foreigners who have confirmed onward tickets and seats on international flights and directly transit through China and stay for no more than 24 hours within the airport boundaries shall not need to apply for a transit visa. Anyone desiring to go beyond the airport boundaries temporarily should obtain permission from the frontier inspection office.
China Embassy in Ottawa:
Flight crew-members and foreign passengers are exempted from visa requirements should they stay within airports for no longer than 24 hours. Otherwise, transit visa should be obtained beforehand.
China Embassy in Canberra:
You need to apply for a Transit Visa (G Visa) if your transit is more than 24 hours, or if you have to go out of the airport regardless of the duration of your transit.
Just which "unambiguous verdict" should the traveler provide to whoever authorities when he/she is being questioned for being outside the airport without a visa?