visa requirement for stop-over in Beijing of less than 24 hours

You do have to apply for a China transit visa if you plan to walk out of the airport and make a one-day sightseeing in Beijing City. For the convenience of the international travelers who transit in China, China has issued a new rule for those who stop at a Chinese airport for less than 24 hours and want to exit the airport. The rule says that these passengers can apply for a 24-hour stay permit at the frontier inspection station of the airport.

under 24-hour stopover in Beijing
Sorry, although I clicked on the thumbs down, Kayla's answer wasn't really useless, just a bit confusing! It sounds as if I don't have to apply in advance for a transit visa, just a permit at the airport. Is that what Kayla meant to say?with thanks,Pete Bowyer

Pete Bowyer, yes, Kayla means that you can try to apply for a 24 hours stay permit when you arrive in the Beijing Airport, please show your flight tickets itinerary and valid passport.