I am traveling with my friend from the US to Cambodia. Our stopover will be in Shanghai, China. We arrive at 6:45pm from the US (on United Airlines) on a Wednesday and depart at 9:00am the next morning (on Cathay Pacific) for Cambodia via/Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Our plan is to stay at a hotel OUTSIDE THE AIRPORT only overnight. Will I need a visa for China? My friend is a native of Cambodia and has a permanent visa from Cambodia. However, since I will not have a visa for Cambodia until I arrive in Cambodia, will this present a issue since it indicates that I need a visa for my onward destination?
Can you please help me w/this information. Thank You!!