Does this work for 72 hour visa free transit?

What? You have a work Z type at hand? So do you have a residence permit? If so, you don't need to use the 72-hour free transit and you can enter Beijing and Shanghai with the Z type and residence permit.

Sincere apologies. Traveling with business M type to Shanghai for certain. Wanting to fly from US to Beijing first (less than 72 hours), then onto Shanghai for work.

Return flight from Shanghai to US.

Please advise about the best way (regarding visa) to travel for pleasure prior to work?

You can use the M type to travel from the US to Beijing to tour for a fews days and then go to Shanghai. It's fine. You don't need to apply for the 72-hour free transit.

Thank you, Selina!

So, it's fine to travel home from Shanghai to US, which this itinerary?

How would I have possibly known this without you?- visa rules?

Yes, it’s fine. Have a good journey.