18hr 55 min layover in Beijing Daxing. will they let me out?

Question

I have 2 layover in Beijing Daxing Airport in a few weeks. I am flying with China Southern from LHR - Beijing - Hong Kong with a 18 hour 55 min connection in Beijing and I my return flight Hong Kong - Beijing - LHR I have a 20 hour 55 min connection in Beijing. These are both overnight connections and I intent to book a hotel in Beijing and do a bit of sightseeing.

1. )I plan to use the 24 hour TWOV twice is that ok

2.) I have heard stories of those who work at passport control not allowing people to go into Beijing directing them into airside transit only . could this happen to me even with this longer connection.

Thank You

Answer

With your itinerary of London → Beijing → Hong Kong and return via Beijing with overnight layovers of roughly 19–21 hours, you are considering using China’s 24-hour visa-free transit (TWOV) program to leave the airport and visit Beijing. Here’s a detailed overview of how it works and what to expect.

1. Using the 24-hour TWOV:

China’s 24-hour visa-free transit allows eligible travelers to leave the airport for short stays in the city if they are transiting to a third country/region within 24 hours.
Since your flights continue to Hong Kong and back to London, Hong Kong qualifies as a third region for transit purposes. Therefore, you are eligible for the 24-hour TWOV on both inbound and outbound layovers.
You will need to have your onward flight tickets and passports ready for inspection at immigration.

2. Potential issues at immigration:

Although the rules formally allow 24-hour transit entry, entry is always subject to the discretion of Chinese immigration officers. Rarely, some officers may direct travelers to remain in the airside transit area, especially if they are concerned about the traveler’s plans or documentation.
Having a hotel booking, an itinerary for your short sightseeing, and proof of your onward flight can significantly reduce the chance of being denied entry.
Since your layovers are overnight, you may want to have a clear plan for transportation from Daxing Airport to your hotel and back, as well as a way to return in time for your connecting flight.

Additional practical tips for your Beijing layovers:

Check with China Southern Airlines if your checked luggage can be automatically forwarded to Hong Kong, or if you need to collect and recheck it in Beijing.
Plan your sightseeing close to the city center, considering travel time from Daxing Airport (roughly 1 hour by taxi or Daxing Airport Express + subway).
Have digital copies of your documents, hotel reservations, and flight tickets ready for inspection at immigration.
Allow extra time to return to the airport, pass security, and board your next flight—overnight layovers may reduce public transportation options.

In summary, your plan to use the 24-hour TWOV twice is officially allowed, and with proper documentation and preparation, you should be able to leave Daxing Airport and explore Beijing. However, entry is ultimately at the discretion of immigration officers, so be prepared for any request for clarification.

18hr 55 min layover in Beijing Daxing. will they let me out?

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