I had exactly the same experience with boarding out of PEK yesterday, and I was just logging in to FT to post a rant. They don't board by seating area out of PEK, so everyone gets on the plane at once. If you happen to be seated in Y and if you happen to be hanging out in the BGS lounge until after boarding begins, kiss any opportunity of overhead space goodbye.

About those baggage checks... Why is it that you can take a bottle of water between the US and PEK, but you cannot between PEK and the US?