China visa application rejected - can I still get into Shanghai with 144-hour visa-free transit?

I am a Canadian working for a media company and am traveling to Hong Kong and China for a personal trip (nothing work related whatsoever), but unfortunately, my Chinese tourist visa application may be rejected. I am still awaiting details. I've been told this is common among travelers who are associated with media, but it's a big disappointment as my tickets have been booked for me already. I did not know this transit-free option existed until I had already submitted my application for a visa!

My plan is to fly from Toronto(departing June 11)>Hong Kong (staying from June 12-13)>Shanghai (staying from June 13-17)>Toronto (arriving June 17). Would this itinerary qualify for the visa-free transit option? Would it be an issue if my visa does end up being rejected?