I have a group (in 2018) traveling from multiple origin points in the US to Hong Kong (HKG). Then, from HKG, the group will travel to Shanghai (PVG). Then, within the 144-hour time limit, this group will travel to Tokyo (either NRT or HND, not sure yet). Everything I know or have read leads me to believe that this itinerary complies with the rules of the 144-hour China Transit Without Visa rule (TWOV). But I would LOVE to get some agreement or confirmation from more experienced international travelers. So, I'm humbly asking... 1) Does this itinerary meet China's TWOV rules? And 2) Any gotchas my travelers should know about or be prepared for? Many thanks in advance.

Yes, on the face of it, it qualifies. Each group member must be using a passport from a country permitted 144 hour Extended TWOV--US passports qualify. You should ascertain if anybody is not going to be using a US passport and whether that/those passports are also allowed 144 hours.. I can't think of any other gotchas, based on current regulations.

Your group will be allowed to travel HK > Shanghai by NONSTOP flight or by international train departing HK's Hung Hom station. The departure to Japan may be by NONSTOP flight or by cruise, as long as the cruise does not go elsewhere in China. International flights can also depart from Nanjing NKG or Hangzhou HGH, should it make sense not to backtrack to Shanghai. During the 144 hours, the group can travel anywhere in Shanghai municipality, Jiangsu province, and Zhejiang province.

Tour group leaders whose members all have Chinese visas generally use a Group queue at Immigration if it's staffed. However, if everyone is using TWOV, I doubt if you can do the same. In effect, each member of the party needs to individually go through TWOV as a stand-alone traveler, then meet up on the baggage claim side. Do not give these members the expectation that you will be able to hold their hand at the TWOV queue. Anybody who is uneasy about this should feel free to apply for a Chinese visa, which will cover them for any eventuality. US passport holders get 10 year tourist visas, multiple entry, good for up to 60 days each visit. It's not a cheap visa but is a good investment for any of your group members who may be visiting China again within the next 10 years.

Yes based on what is mentioned.

It depends on how you book the ticket and your point of origin.

TWOV is not new. But some GAs still make mistakes on it. So you may experience trouble as early as you travel on the ticket with the China segment.

It is also best to have a printout from the Chinese Consulate's website about the TWOV to show to the uninformed GAs as well.