I am a travel agent and have the following question

May I know the detailed travel itinerary? You mean they will fly to Beijing for less than 72 hours, and then they will go to another country on a cruise ship? If so, they cannot use the 72 hour free transit in Beijing because the 72 hour free transit is only applicable to flight travelers. Thus, a tourist l type is needed.
As for their travel to Shanghai, the 72 hour free transit can be by no means applicable to the trip. But if they will go to a third country or region instead of the last one they departed after staying in Shanghai, the 144 hour free transit can be sued there.

Thank you for your reply. Group is flying from Los Angeles to Beijing for 2 nights then flying to Tokyo for 2 nights and then taking a cruise from Yokohama. The cruise end in Shanghai. We will get off the ship and stay 2 night in Shanghai and fly back to the U.S. Do we need a visa?

If so, you don’t need it because you can enjoy the 72 hour free transit in Beijing and use the 144 hour free transit in Shanghai.