Do I have to claim my bags even though I am going to Manila

Flying from JFK to Guangzhou to Manila and have a 17 hour layover with China Southern. Can I leave my bags at the airport while I do the 72hr visit? Where could I go on the metro from there. Will be traveling with 4 kids and is it fairly expensive to get around? Thanks so much for any help! I think that Southern Part does offer a hotel for flights over 8 hours so would that be safer than trying to get around the city with kids. If I only have a layover for 17 hours and am proceeding to Manila from Guangzhou, do I need to claim my bags that are supposed to continue onto Manila? I just am unable to get five 50 pound bags and carry them all over the city with my 4 kids. Thanks again.