Confused! US citizen with 13 hour wait time in Shanghai airport

Hi - the cheapest ticket home - I am a US citizen with final destination in the US - I can find has a 13 hour wait time in the Shanghai airport. I would like to leave it of course! But not if it costs $140 and requires and embassy visit! I imagine that the airlines would have my check in bag, so I would not "collect my luggage" just drag my carryon with me. One website does not mention the fees and previous demand. What would be my situation, actually?