Beijing airport - anyone used the 144 hour visa?

[Chickenfeed67]

We have a 9 hour layover in Beijing and as I understand it there is a visa you can apply for when you board that gives you 144 hours. I’m wondering how easy it is to leave and come back - it looks like a 40 min taxi ride to tiannamen square, and I’m tempted to do it. Anyone else done something similar? I’m not sure I can sit in the airport for 9 hours without going crazy!

It won’t be 9 hours will it? You have to get off the plane and find your luggage and hand it back in. If you leave the airport you will have to go thru security when you get back, also taking up time. Plus approx 2 hours for the taxi rides. Tiannamen Square is just a big square with government buildings on three sides. There are no plaques or commemoration. In fact, Chinese guides won’t mention what happened there or discuss it. What there is to see is The Forbidden City on the 4th side of the square. Personally, I would be worrying the whole time about getting back to the airport in time. I remember the lounge at the airport as being quite luxurious and quiet.

I've used the 144 hour visa but in Shanghai. We left the airport and stayed in the city for 2 nights then flew to Japan for 10 days. Then, we flew back to Shanghai, stayed one night before flying home.
You have plenty of time to do what you want. Going through security and immigration was really quick because they had a separate line and desk.

@Rocknrollstar you’re right, there won’t be that much time. But I’d like to see something while I’m there if at all possible - I’ve never been to China and it seems like a wasted opportunity to do nothing!

From what I gather, (I am hoping to do the 144 hours in Shanghai, from Hong long, 4 nights shanghai then onto Tokyo)

You may get refused the visa if the stay is too short. They generally want a proof of hotel stay too.

There may be a 24 hour visa exemption (may have different rules) which would be more applicable?