Originally Posted by joer1212

Here is my itinerary for this coming October.
Do I need a China visa, or do I qualify for the 72hr/144hr visa-free transit?

Oct 10 flight out of New York
Oct 11-14 Hong Kong
Oct 14-17 Singapore
Oct 17-19 Kuala Lumpur
Oct 19-21 Taipei
Oct 21-24 Shanghai
Oct 24-27 Beijing
Oct 27 flight back to New York

Even if I qualify for visa-free transit, do you think it's a good idea to get a visa, anyway?
For one, it's possible that my airline, and even some Chinese customs officials, would not know all the intricacies of the rules, and I could be denied entry into China.
Furthermore, getting through customs with an entry visa in my passport is probably a much quicker and smoother process than having to queue up to apply for a 144-hour transit visa.

Thoughts?