Free transit via a one-way ticket?

First of all, you are very kind to respond to all of our questions! I stayed in Shanghai 3 years ago and received a tourist visa in Houston, which was quite annoying, then I had it renewed after 3 months of living in Shanghai at a local administrative office, which was a very easy and pleasant experience. If i book a one-way ticket to Shanghai from HOU to visit my wife's family (planning to take trips around asia), can i be granted access to the city for 72 hours so that I can have it approved at the same administrative office? Thanks.