So I am having some issues in Beijing right now, and I need to get there as urgently as possible.

So I am having some issues in Beijing right now, and I need to get there as urgently as possible. The problem is, my family and I are on holidays right now, and we are in Taiwan. We're scheduled for a 30th December departure to Beijing. I have two choices (Because the tickets we booked are non refundable economy)

1. Book a separate flight to Beijing, but after that do I have to come back to complete my trip? My wife says that I cannot change my ticket, or I risk having my ticket on the return cancelled.

2. Completely rebook myself (Expensive but safe)

I think you should call the airline and explain your situation. Check how much it is to change your Taiwan to Beijing flight to a closer date, even when you book a non-refundable economy, you should still be able to change flight date/time at a cost. But if it turns out to be too expensive, then tell them you won't be travelling on that sector but will continue with the rest of your flights booked. Then book a one way flight to Beijing instead.

I've had a friend who were in a similar situation, he called the airline and they made note that he wouldn't be travelling on one part of the booking but will continue with the rest. Make sure then email you a confirmation so you've got some written proof in case things go wrong at the airport. Good Luck!

If your original flight to Beijing is part of a bigger itinerary (such as Sydney-Taiwan-Beijing-Taiwan-Sydney) and you miss the Taiwan-Beijing flight in the middle, the rest of the flights on the booking will also be cancelled.

My suggestion would be to call the airline you've already booked with and explain your situation - you won't get a refund on a non-flexi ticket, but you may be able to change your Taiwan-Beijing flight and pay a change fee plus the fare difference, or if you're very lucky they may be able to 'void' the Taiwan-Beijing flight you've booked which would allow you to take the rest of the flights on the same itinerary without them being cancelled.

An alternative (and depending on whether this would be allowed on your visa) would be to book a new Taiwan-Beijing-Taiwan flight, get to Beijing ASAP, return to Taiwan in time to take your original Taiwan-Beijing flight and keep your larger itinerary in play (again, wouldn't work if you only have a single entry Chinese visa or were planning a visa-free transit from Taiwan to China to Australia, depending on your itinerary. :)