Do U.S.A. Citizens on a cruise that visits Shanghai for 16-hr need visa with new 24hr Direct Transit

We are escorting a group of about 60 U.S. citizens taking a cruise that calls on Shanghai for 16 hours. It starts in Japan visits several ports and ends in Hong Kong. The only entry permit that used to be required was China for the visit to Shanghai. Does the new 24-hour Direct Transit exemption mean we do not need one anymore for 1 day port of call in Shanghai? Thank you.
John