traveling to North America via mainland China & would like to extend a few days visit while transit

Wendy, because you want to stop for a few days in PRC, I’m afraid you cannot receive upon arrival. You should apply for a transit G type or tourist L type ahead of your journey.

Namaste, Thank you for your prompt answer. Given the answer provided makes increasing a stay more complicated - we have decided to stick with the 20hr layover. With just the 20hrs in transit I have read that we are exempt from paying for a transit visa to go outside the airport - can you please confirm this and if so does this mean that we are able to complete this process entirely at the airport?
Many thanks in advance

Dear, yes, if your total layover time in PRC is less than 20 hours, you can enjoy the 24 hour direct transit. In this case, you just need to apply for a temporary stay permit at the airport and then you can leave the airport. The temporary stay permit is free of charge. You can complete the process entirely at the airport.