Thanks Moondog. You have been a big help however i have one more question: According to the Chinese consulate Website those wishing to avail the 72 hour exemption permit must do the following:

A foreign national that meets the requirements may submit his/her request to the airline company that carries him/her to Beijing or Shanghai, which shall make the application to the border control authorities of the Beijing or Shanghai airports that shall grant a temporary entry of a passenger meeting the requirements for transit visa exemption upon verification.

When I called AA they mentioned they have no clue what this means and that they have never done it for anybody before. Also, it is impossible to get through to the Chinese consulate office as I get a recording every time.

Not sure what to do next.