Thanks Luther for all the details!
I actually went to China twice, so i'm quite aware of the common behavior, which is by the way, not reserved to Asia....i live in a european city where when the cab drivers senses you are a complete foreigner he drives you around for an hour two....and with western fares !! And they even try that almost every time with locals!!
I always take the subway in China!
I went twice to Beijing, so had my share of experience with getting rid of the 15 (actually more 35!!) people who jump on you to get you somewhere or to sell you a Rollie etc
For the visa, last time i had a transfer stop when i went to Australia, i somehow remember stewardesses hand out forms for entry pemits for a day, but not sure...there has to be a way. I don't need a hotel this time, since i arrive at 6 in the morning and leave at 8 in the evening.
When i stayed in Beijing and handed my passport in, the desk lady gave it back to ma after 24 hours saying i "had to change the picture in it!, and i had to go to the police straight away....".......(!!!!) i didn't....and i never had a problem for 4 weeks. I think they expected i take a pair of scissors and replace it myself with some glue