Originally Posted by
k374
I'm considering a trip in November - LAX to Kathmandu via Guangzhou (China Southern). The only problem is that on the way there I have a 13.5 hr layover, arriving in the morning at 7am and on the way back a 15 hr layover arriving again at 8am.
On my way to KTM I wanted to go into Guangzhou and explore it, I heard it is a 72 hr visa free zone. I am a US citizen. The city center is just over an hour away so i'm thinking this shouldn't be a problem.
On my way back I plan to take a train from Guangzhou to Shenzen and spend the day in Shenzen.
Do you think both these excursions are doable without any problems?
Should be no problem about the visiting Guangzhou part on the way to Kathmandu. You can get early morning dimsum, see a few sights and then head back to the airport for your trip to Kathmandu.
I'm not too familiar with Shenzhen, but I'd say it would be at least 2-1/2 hours one way from Guangzhou airport including ticket purchase, waiting time and transfer time, which gives you about 9 hours to visit any sights in the area.