Originally Posted by
tauphi
24h TWOV is definitely still on the books with the Chinese authorities. However, it doesn't seem to be listed on Timatic anymore so you may have issues with the airline.
The following text appeared during a United TIMATIC search I performed moments ago. Note that I chose a passport from a country that does not seem to qualify for 144 hour visa free transit (so 24 hour is the only option listed). Also note that the "must stay in the intranational area of the airport" restriction doesn't apply if you have domestic connections, in which case, you qualify for an entry permit. There are also numerous airports in China that don't have international transit areas. That having been said, we've seen reports of people being denied entry permits in cases where such facilities exist (e.g. intra T1 at PVG during daytime hours). In theory, booking a hotel room during your transit should be sufficient to to get an entry permit, but we don't have many data points on this.
TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international transit area of the airport and have documents required for the next destination. Passengers with multiple transit stops within China (People's Rep.) can obtain an entry permit on arrival, with a total transit time not more than 24 hours.