Firstly, don’t panic! You can keep trying on the website and app, but if you fail they will still find you a hotel when you arrive. Unlike other airlines, don’t use the 6 digit alpha-numeric booking code. Try your 13 digit ticket number or passport number. Also, make sure you enter your name correctly surname/first name as it appears on ticket. But as I say, if it does work, don’t worry, you’ll still get a hotel. It won’t be the Pullman...they only let Bus/First stay there.

The 24 hour visa is slightly more complicated than it used to be, in that there is an additional form to fill out once you arrive in Guangzhou.. when you first arrive, you queue at transit accommodation desk for hotel booking and onward boarding pass (even though you’ll probably have one already). Then you fill out the arrival card (if you didn’t do so on the plane) then the additional form. You then have to sit and wait for it to be processed by the police. That can take up to 90 minutes....so just relax and be patient. Have some snacks tuck away in your carry on and make sure you’ve kept some water from the plane. There’s no wifi unless you have a Chinese phone and can receive a code for free wifi. The CZ staff will eventually return with your passport and documents, you then queue again to present them, they’re stamped and you’re on your way. CZ staff are very helpful and should direct you to where to get the shuttle to your hotel. If you are in your hotel room 2 hours after wheels down, it’s about normal.

its not as awful as it sounds (much more pleasant than arrival at JFK international at peak time!!), just go with the flow. As long as you meet the criteria for the visa-free 24 hours, it will be granted. The CZ staff are your friends...they dress in cerise coloured uniforms and those who speak functional English wear a badge.

I’ve done this several times, and it goes without a hitch...and I am very intolerant and lack patience!!

BUT all of this is predicated on past experience. In a couple of week a new terminal is opening Iin Guangzhou, and there might be changes. I am transitting through there at the end of this month and will report back on any alterations.