Interesting question. The rule says you must have a through ticket - i.e. it cannot be a round trip ticket. But it also says "onward country".

ORD to PVG to ORD would certainly not qualify.

ORG to PVG to LAX might qualify. I would guess it would qualify, but I would call the numbers listed earlier in this thread and ask before trying.

I have done the Transit Without Visa at least 3 times. The problem is not convincing the Chinese Immigration people, the problem is convincing the Airline that the rule exists. American Airlines once argued for over an hour before they let me board the flight.

Also, you must have a copy of your booked flights to prove departure. I once mistakenly brought only the itinerary (without the price and payment information) and it took about an hour for them to finally confirm the onward flights and clear me through immigration.