depends if the domestic segment is part of your international ticket. If it is, the "piece" allowance applies.

Economy class domestic 44lbs

we found on our trip from Hong Kong to the US via Narita that the Hong Kong-Narita leg was also a 20KG limit leg -- they didn't charge us the overage but we were over by a few pounds having done a little shopping

Within China they were more stringent but they did look at the weight for the whole party -- so my slightly heavier bag was combined with my husbands so that we didn't exceed 40 KG for the two of us on the domestic flights we took to Xi'an and Beijing and then Hong Kong(pre-shopping)

I guess we need to stick to domestic rules...since once we are in Shanghai for a couple of days and then fly into Beijing.

So domestic is nothing over 20 kg...is that equal to 40 lbs?

20 kg is about 44lbs. I am often "excess luggage" and I have been charged for it less than 50% of the time. Either because the clerk doesn't pay attention, doesn't care or can't speak english.

Within China: 20 KG. If you are over, you may be charged for it, but the surcharge will be minimal compared to international standards. The basis is, i believe the same (% of a full fare / first class ticket) but because there is not a large difference between first class price and economy price, the surcharge ends up being laughably small. The annoying thing is that you have to line up at a different counter to pay it, & then return to the check in line, to complete your check in. IT's more a hassle than anything else.

The major change in China domestic air travel is that you are now only allowed to bring ONE PIECE through security. No exceptions. Therefore, if you have two small bags, you must put one inside the other, or have a third larger bag into which the two small pouches, plastic bags, handbags, etc fit, in order to get through security. Once past security, you can unpack everything.

Do you mean that I cannot take both a purse and a carryon thru security if we can only take one piece?

Thanks

I have never been charged for one overweight checked bag inside China, but always charged for excess bags (to check two or more).

As for carry-ons, to be certain, allow room for your purse inside your carry-on. I have never had a problem with my computer case plus my duffel carry-on. However, that computer case is subject to interpretation. For an international traveler, it is virtually impossible for you to travel in China with only a carry-on.

Remember if you are starting and ending in the same international gateway city, your hotel may hold excess baggage in storage. Then you can load up with souvenirs in your departure city and check two bags back to your homeland.