Do I need to go to a 3rd country when traveling from US to Shanghai on NZ passport with no visa?

I'm traveling from San Francisco to Shanghai on NZ passport with no entry permit for just under 72 hours. I was hoping for a San Fran-Shanghi-Los Angeles flight pattern. Is this possible? Someone suggested i need to go San Fran-Shanghi-Tokyo-LA to meet 72 hour free travel requirement. Can you confirm? Thanks.