Recently I found that some of the Chinese airport security personnel have changed their view on what is allowed and what is not in your carry-on luggage. In the US you are aware that 3oz bottles of liquids are OK through security as long as you can place all the containers in the required Ziplock bag. Not so in China. At a recent flight from Xian to Shanghai I was asked to leave behind my hand sanitizer liquid (a 2 oz bottle). In the previous days and weeks I have flown through many airports (I had not been to Xian for at least 1 year) in China and my hand sanitizer gel has never been a problem. I use it frequently as a way to quickly wash hands before meals etc. and when you are in a rush for the next business meeting, it does come handy….
Well, the security folks at the Xian airport decided that it is flammable and dangerous liquid as it was alcohol based 
–> I wonder why they allow all these cans of beer on the planes then and confiscated it. I tried to have a conversation and ask WHY, but in the usual manner I was told “Shi Guiding” — “it is the rule” — nevermind, there was no rule that I was aware of (or any of the other airports like Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, that I fly through relatively frequently)…. Oh, well, live and learn.
So, for those of you who plan to travel next, you may want to keep your liquids in your checkin luggage (even if they are of the required size).
Happy travels!
It is good to see government taking enough measures to prevent terrorist activities. Travel security is necessary to assure safety while traveling. Air travel can be made safer provided enough safety and precautionary measures are carried out to avoid calamity.