A note on China transit: I also heard about claiming lagguage in Kunming transit, and it is a real problem. Regarding long transits, I had 23 hr transit in Beijing (but they transferred the baggage). I bought that ticket because it was $400-500 cheaper than next available alternative (in Orbitz). I applied for transit visa for $30 (or 40?), instead they gave me tourist visa (same charge). You can get it within hours with additional $30 express processing fee Chinese Consulate near you. I really enjoyed Beijing. Kunming may not be a great place, but going around may an option as the visa is not expensive. The hotel I selpt in Beijing was not so good, like a cheap US motel, but I was fine as it was fairly clean and I paid just about $18 for a single room! Taxi ride was cheap and I spent less than $170 while feeding myself and other two friends and visiting many places in Beijing. They said, Beijing is expensive compared to other cities.