Dubai- Shanghai Pudong-Honkong or Hongkong-Shanghai-Dubai

The most important detail is that both your itineraries are eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. Now, the "small letters"... All those who fly through China on 24 hour visa free transit have right to travel visa free, but also to remain during their transit time airside. Flying on 24 hour visa free transit does not apply a right to exit the airport.

Exit from the airport is not a passenger's right, but more as a bonus that is offered to those with small children, to passengers with disabilities and to those with long, usually overnight layovers. So, this is not the right, but just a move based on absolute discretionary right of the airport officials. If your layover is long and especially if it is overnight, you can apply upon landing at the transit counter for a temporary entry permit where you will present your flight tickets and your hotel booking confirmation. Based on the length of your layover, airport officials will determine whether to grant you a temporary entry permit or not. This application is free of charge. Now when you know, you will decide what to do.