I got a cheap travel deal ($400 difference) but it has 23 hour transit at Beijing. Are there any sajhalis with transit experience at Beijing? Is there a possibility to go out and see around at all? I don't seem to need a transit visa as per their website (for up to 24 hrs), but if transit visa allows me to go out, I would definitely love to go around. 

Please share any of your experience (or anything you have heard). Thanks.

 find a chinese embassy near you and apply for chinese transit visa. its simple and easy. they allow 15 days each both way. god forbid if your flight gets delayed, and since u have only one hour to spare in case that happens...  u might get into trouble,    besides that old beijing is a beautiful city and you will not regret. i recommend you to get the visa.