I'm guessing that the post that lead to this tangent was either a joke or in error (i.e. the poster meant to ask about LHR-HKG-PVG instead of LHR-PVG-HKG). Nevertheless, it bears repeating that the idea of transiting in China is unthinkable. You've already highlighted the quarantine issue. In some countries, it's possible to exit quarantine early if you have a good reason or to simply leave the country. I think I would have needed a really good reason, and possibly consular assistance, in order to leave my quarantine hotel early. I only saw the lobby two times during my visit (arrival and departure days); in both cases, the doors were locked except for the 15-minute windows when we entered/exited, and exit was between 6a and 615a (sleep in and you're probably going to stay another night). I wouldn't necessarily describe the hotel as awful (i.e. it could have been a Marriott during its former life), but it was repurposed as a prison, and the only "room service" I received was from the morning nurse and the evening lady who picked up my trash.

Other bad points about the transit in China idea:
-visas aren't easy to get
-multiple PCR tests that still cost around $500
-hanging around the airport for 3+ hours upon arrival (you get treated to the first of many free PCR tests, have to walk close to a mile in the maze they set up, and then wait until at least 7 other people are ready to take the same bus as you); VIP service definitely helps on these fronts, but I don't know how to actually get it myself
-then, of course, there are the flight costs (which I've already mentioned). LHR-PEK/PVG will definitely start up again, but these flights will almost surely cost $7,000 or more in economy class, and sell out. Meanwhile, LHR-HKG is obtainable for $2500 in business class as long as you're flexible wrt date

Apologies for the longwinded explanation of something that no rational actor would ever contemplate.

Quarantine does not apply if they are flying from Macau, something like MFM/PVG/NRT would still be an international transit and if someone didn't have their HRP they would need to TWOV.

Macao - Quarantine Measures Upon Arrival

A rule change with fairly limited application, but foreigners with Portuguese passports, green cards or certain visas/residence permits (the ones that work for China entry or reentry) who have only been in the mainland for the previous 10 days can now travel to Macau without quarantine.

I'm planning a Taiwan trip around November-December. It's basically a 3+(very loose 4) where you can do "important things", similar to the Hong Kong one. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/34535569-post604.html

I still don't think there's a way I can get a China visa by then so I will probably put off China for another year.

There is an update that APEC business card holders don't need visas anymore: Notice on Allowing entry to China of APEC Business Travel Card holders and Study Residence Permit holders and on Updating International Student Visa application requirements. I do have an APEC business card but it is from the US who is a transitional member in the scheme so wouldn't qualify for visa-free access. Oh bother.

Yeah the APEC route is a no-go for Americans, but have you tried for a visa?

Don't have any relatives in China and don't have any legitimate business reasons either. I think X1 student visas are being issued but don't want to go for a year. Don't want to get a job there. And I don't think tourist visas are being issued...

Yeah if this is the case then wait.

But enjoy Taiwan! I might be there in December too, using it as a transfer point to Shanghai, if airfares from the US don't come down by then.

China drops some COVID reporting rules for int'l travellers

I just saw this news this morning (reported on three different WeChat OAs). None of the articles go into much detail, but it appears to only apply to the China side (i.e. those 3 pre-trip PCR tests are presumably still required). Nevertheless, I'm always happy to see baby step improvements.

nice. Just to be clear though, currently it's only two test required, not three. One at 48hrs then other at 24 hrs.

My bad. For #3, I was thinking of the arrival PCR test.

They aren't dropping any tests. The only thing that's being dropped is the question on the Customs form that asks about your pre-flight PCR test result. It was redundant as the airline would have already verified the pre-flight PCR tests.

Looks like Chengdu’s number came up on lockdown roulette! The insanity continues!! 成都加油😂

Macau now allows non-resident passport holders from 41 countries to enter from anywhere in the world:

https://www.asgam.com/index.php/2022...from-thursday/

This development could potentially move Macau way up in the desirability list.

However, I don't on ANYBODY who has tried to use Macau as an entry point yet (not surprising because the 41 countries thing just started today and non-q transit to/from Mainland was quite restricted until about 6 months ago).

BUT, given the cost differential between this and pretty much everything else as well as the fact that Macau flights are not subject to CAAC Covid circuit breakers, it's probably worth learning more.

Along these lines, following are a few open questions:
1. Most importantly, are we absolutely certain that after clearing quarantine in Macau, we'll be considered clean by the Mainland?
2. Is it necessary to book a quarantine hotel in advance or do they get assigned upon arrival? If the former, what is the procedure?
3. Do you need any special health codes in order to enter/leave Macau?
4. Are land crossings a PITA (e.g. lottery system) like they are in HK?
5. How's the flight (out situation)? (This would be pretty easy to research, but I haven't checked yet.)

YariGuy you obviously have much more experience with Macau trips than the rest of us, and probably have good insights on 3 and 5.

Hong Kong gets in-principle agreement to implement reverse quarantine for Guangdong entry:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...hina-scmp-says

John Lee Hails 'Reverse Quarantine' for Closed-loop HK Isolation to Meet CN '7+3' Rule; GD, SZ Leaders Agree to Form Task Force
https://www.aastocks.com/share/news/....1210825/?l=en

The article does not say whether this reverse quarantine is applicable for non-residents of Hong Kong or Guangdong. If it is, it will be swamped as a tactic for everyone to get back into other parts of China very quickly.