Visa to Beijing for 2 days

Laura, if you will fly like US-Beijing (2 days)-another country or region instead of US, you will be able to use the 72 hour free transit in Beijing, and no visa is needed for that.

Thank you so much!! Actually 2 days 1/2 we will be there. From Beijing we are going to Japan then Thailand.

If so, you don't need a Chinese visa for the trip!

Sorry I have another question. Does it matter that we arrive with one airline & leave with another airline? We have confirmed tickets with both airlines but it is not a connecting flight does that matter? We arrive at 8:50 pm is the 72 hr free transit office open 24 hrs? Thank you!!!

It doesn't matter, and the separate tickets will be fine. The visa office will open when you arrive at there. No need to worry!