Originally Posted by
anacapamalibu
From my experience a printout from a website doesn't override the law.
Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Aliens in China
Article 8 Aliens may be exempt from going through the procedures for obtaining a transit visa if they hold a through ticket and have booked seats on international airliners flying immediately through China and will stay in the transit city for not exceeding 24 hours without leaving the airport;
aliens who wish to leave the airport shall apply to the border inspection office for stopover permits
http://english.people.com.cn/94487/9...8/6449659.html
Yes, in fact, it states the same under the quote from the China Embassy in London I listed above.
So, I stand corrected. It is legal and possible to leave airport without a visa. But a permit from the border/frontier inspection office is required.