Get in to China I know there is a 72 hr period you can gain entry without a visa

I am traveling from NY to Manila on 10/15 then on 10/20 I am traveling to Shanghai and on 10/23 back to NY.
I thought my visa expired the end of Oct but when I checked my passport tonight it expired the end of Sept. The embassy is not open until Tuesday the 15th at 9am I have to be at the airport at 12pm has anyone ever heard of getting it in less then 2 hours if not do I qualify for the 72 hour entry.