From Jan 1st, 2013, citizens of 45 countries andregions can make an air transit in Beijing Captial International Airports without a transit visa, and moreover, you are allowed to get out of the airport, if your period of stay does not exceed 72 hours, provided you hold valid passports, visas for the onward countries, final destination tickets and have booked onward flight seats.  These countries include: Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

IMPORTANT  NOTES

1) It only applies to passengers who transit through the airports mentioned above. The destination and place of departure cannot be the same. (e.g New York – Beijing  – New York)

2) It does not apply to passengers who travels by train, ship or other transportation.

4) The 72 hours will be counted from the time when the transit permit is granted, not from the time when the flight land at the airport.