I did this sort of thing twice last year (sadly, only in Y...) and I'd say it's possible to visit downtown Guangzhou in a 7h45 transit, although longer would be better. (We were scheduled to have longer than this, but once had somewhat less, due to a delayed inbound flight).

I'm not sure if there's only one international arrivals point in CAN, or several. However, at the one we were at, there were counters straight ahead for transfer pax, and a line of immigration counters to the right for arrivals. There were fairly clear signs marking the desk for '72hr transit without visa' (but it had only just been introduced at that point, so it seemed they were trying to promote it). There were also some customer service staff on hand, who helped guide us around when required. I think one time we had to go the transfer desk first (either to get an onward BP, or have our onward BP checked) but the other time we didn't. At immigration, it seemed they expected people to have a hotel reservation (or other address) but once they realised we had a same day flight, it wasn't a problem, and we got stamped into the country (but only for 24hrs - which was fair enough, as our flight was sooner than that).

As others have indicated, there was something slightly confusing with baggage. Once ours was checked all the way through, and once not (but coming from AMS on an award ticket, your bags should be checked all the way through). I think both times we saw it in the baggage delivery hall - but I don't think we had to do anything with it, other than vaguely indicate to staff it was ours (probably especially the time it wasn't checked through). We certainly didn't have to carry it off to the regular check-in desks. (And if you were staying airside, you wouldn't come anywhere near the baggage hall anyway, so I don't think it can be a requirement to identify/re-check baggage normally).

Getting to the metro station, buying smartcards, and taking the metro into town was all quite straightforward (even though I don't speak any Chinese). However, it is quite a long ride into town - so take that into account when deciding whether it's worth it time-wise. When we were short of time, we just changed metro at Jiahewanggang and visited Yuexiu Park.

As others have said, the CZ lounge in CAN is pretty good, and has showers.

 

That's what I also told AF/KL when they surveyed about CZ code-share flights a few weeks ago. On CZ long-hauls I get a warm welcome as FB Plat, my preferred food choice (STE+ are asked before all others in the cabin), better food and service and in my opinion the best flat seat out there (I don't like narrow foot rests).

And when flying on AF as FB Plat...

 

I guess everyone has answered your questions before me. I did not go through immigrations and stayed airside. You have 2 options after leaving the plane, either pass immigrations (to the right) or pass the transfer desk (straight ahead, first 2 desks on the right are Sky priority). You can't miss them as everyone must go through the transfer desk (if transferring).
My luggage was labelled on so did not reclaim it. Also didn't see it because you don't pass the belts when transferring.

I didn't get the warm welcome others got and I must say it is strange that CZ does do it and AF-KL doesn't.

 

Thanks Goldorak, and sigbjod. Having never been in to the PRC, just HKG many many times, it is tempting to go in to town just for the fun of it, and sitting in the lounge for 7 hours, however pleasant it may be would drive me crazy.

 

Thanks, that's a great help. Any suggestion as to which metro station to go to to get a quick impression of Guangzhou?

 

Sorry, I don't know Guangzhou that well, so others are probably better placed to advise. However, (in addition to Yuexiu Park mentioned previously) Huangsha takes you close to Shamian Island. A bit further east, Haizhu Square is on line 2 (so only one change from the airport) and like Shamian, is on the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River). Or further east along the Zhu Jiang, on line 3 (direct from the airport) you have Canton Tower.

 

Like I said, I was delighted with them. And I was back in economy, although with regular upgrades to premium economy. But normal economy was survivable. I don't have to fly east all that much these days, but if I did I would happily fly with CZ again.

Far from looking for flights with AF or LH and partners (I have status with both groups), I am looking elsewhere, at what other airlines have to offer, partly because these other airlines (such as CZ) offer cheaper fares but also because the former have reduced their FF benefits and service so much. I should automatically look for flights with the airlines who have given me status for my 'loyalty', but I don't any longer because their offering is so crap (think LH and AF). But you all know this anyway!

Please keep the China Southern experience reports coming!

 

Those are issues widely spread among all airlines in China and more than often do not depend on them.
So far when I experienced IRROPS (with CZ and MU), the airlines did what we were expecting them to do.
Once I was on a FB award ticket on CZ: flight cancelled (was the last of the day), re-booked on the next available flight free of charge, one night in hotel (free of charge), transfer to/from hotel free of charge.

I must add that in terms of FB Plat recognition, CZ works much better than MF, MU and FM, both on ground and on board.

Ciao
Ulxima

 

flew CZ to Copenhagen from Penang
it provides free hotel stay at Guangzhou if transit time is more than 8 hours
no visa is needed and CZ customer is allowed up to 24 hour entry to China

depending on arrival time at hotel and the hotel itself, meal might be provided
i had a sumptuous breakfast at a 5 star hotel nearby to Baiyun shan park during my last transit.

 

Anyone been on the 787 in Economy? I'm 5ft9, and I found the seat very cramped (knees pressed up against the forward seat) even when I'm sitting 'back' and upright.