Originally Posted by GinFizz

I am almost certain that this is a "no". At PEK and PKX the boarding pass is stamped at the security check, not the emigration counter, so even with e-channel a boarding pass is needed. Last time I exited China through PVG was maybe 15 years ago, so can't comment on current procedures there.

I am actually surprised that any airlines would issue an electronic boarding pass, as for non-Chinese citizens the airline always checks the passenger's China visa status, as well as the destination country visa (if needed), and for Chinese citizens in most cases they will need to check the destination country visa (though more visa-free options than before of course for Chinese citizens).