Layover in Bejing, Do We need a Visa

My Husband and I are flying to Thailand and have a 19 hour layover in Bejing on the way in and on the way out.

1) Will we need a Visa to go outside the airport terminal to visit Bejing?
2) If so, will we be able to get it (and our passports) back before we travel to Edmonton Canada on Dec. 8th? 3) Also, My husband is Canadian, if we need one for Bejing, Can he still get it in SF? he does have a current work visa to be in the US.
4) And one last question, can I submit the applications for both of us in SF, or does he need to also be present?