for example, I have wanted to fly to PEK, stay a few days and then on to Polska.
from experience I know that flights from SZ to PEK are cheaper, sometimes as cheap as a US$100+,
or even under US$ 100.
However, then I would have to determine my schedule well in advance, which I don't like.
So I decided for a ticket that allowed me few days stopover in PEK and then straight into WAW.
It cost me US$ 580, so the "felt cost" TO ME is like 580 minus a normal ticket SZ to PEK, say US$ 150.
besides, flying out of PEK to EU is generally more expensive
If I had to fly to PEK, only then I would go to SZ if I could save HK$ 250 or more, after deducting bus costs, I usually travel light and have a HRTP