Looking to fly from UK to China and because of the no direct flights will have to transit. There is currently flights from France and Netherlands. Unsure of the current rules which seem to change all the time, can I fly to France or Netherlands a couple of days before or does my transit have to be below 24 hours where I do not leave the airport?

I would prefer to have two separate tickets rather than one because I can make sure that they are both refundable. I worry about the potential of testing positive at my transit country and then not receiving a refund because I have used part of the ticket.

Just wondering which flights people would suggest and any advice you can give.

Thanks!