Intl connection/transit is allowed for up to 24 hours at ALL Chinese airports for nearly ALL nationalities. SHA/PVG regulations allow SOME nationalities transit privileges for up to 48 hours. (Norwegians are still included on this list of the extra privileged.) This is laid out in detail on the FAQ Please Read First Sticky at the top of the China Forum, first post which is about Visas and Transit Without Visa privileges.

I do think the open-jaws ticket is a valid and cost-effective strategy, assuming the OP has not already purchased a round-trip to/from China, and also wants to see a different place.