If you follow this link:
Originally Posted by
mizzou miles
Visa required, except for Holders of confirmed onward tickets
for a max. transit For details, click here time of 24 hours. Transit
incl. two stops, with a total transit time of 24 hours, within
China (People's Rep.) is permitted.
Visa required, except for Nationals of USA holding confirmed
onward tickets for a max. transit For details, click here time of 48
hours, provided arriving at and departing from Shanghai
You get these details which would seemingly conflict that TWOV allows one to leave the airport:
Transit Without Visa (TWOV): Passing through an
international
transit area of the airport in order to board a connecting (or
to proceed by the same) flight,
without entering the country
(i.e. clearing immigration).
Unless stated otherwise, passengers wishing to TWOV must:
- be en-route to a third country (e.g. itinerary TYO-LON-TYO
is not considered TWOV);
- prove that they will continue their journey within the
prescribed period (e.g. hold onward tickets);
- have documents required for entry into the country of
destination and for transit through countries en-route;
- remain in the transit area (airside) or on the aircraft.
Baggage belonging to TWOV passengers must be checked through
to their final destination.
TWOV is not intended for those holding stand-by tickets, e.g.
airline staff or other passengers travelling on industry
discount.
Nevertheless, we're gonna go for it - the consulate said visas were needed but why not try? I spoke with China Southern and they confirmed that it's up to local officials and cannot be guaranteed, but is not usually denied. They forwarded me an application to print out and bring with our passports that is a visa waiver form. It has worked for others so hoping it works for us!