IMO, it's always a good idea to email the respective ramp and notify them of your travel plans, either in or out.
In Japan they'll make sure you have a shore pass waiting if you're an inbound DH to operate out. The NRT folks have always sent a rep to meet me coming off the aircraft, hand me my shore pass and speed things through C&I.
Getting the Chinese ramps in the loop seems like it can only help. They'll set you up with a ride (if you want it) and most likely head off any problems you might encounter if you were to just show up "unannounced".
YMMV, but it works for me.