Another important consideration is the frequent delays at major Chinese airports like PEK, PVG, CAN. Beijing has had the worst on time performance globally ... frequent air traffic controls/restrictions, severe weather conditions (& pollution) ... all adding up to your higher chances of missing connection. So I would avoid it as well if you have alternatives. Coming from the US, NRT/HND, ICN, HKG all have much smoother connection options, I think.