UK traveller flying from Paris to Melbourne and transferring in shang hai

Flight arrives in shang hai at around 7am on 17th, and transfer flight to Melbourne leaves shang hai at around 7pm the same day. Does the 72 hour free visa apply for this short amount of time? The article mentions something about it only starting at 00:00 the day following your arrival? If it doesn't work in this instance, would I still be able to leave the airport to have a quick look at the city?

Thanks