Flying Kuala Lumpur > Siem Reap > Beijing with 2 hr connection in Hong Kong > KL

Hi, I'm looking to visit a relative in Beijing for 2.5 days and I have a UK passport.
I will be flying from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap and stay there for 1 day and 1 night. Then fly from Siem Reap to Beijing but the flight connects in Hong Kong for 2 hours before the connecting flight leaves for Beijing. Can I still get the 72 hour free visa even though I connect in Hong Kong before arriving in Beijing?
I will return to KL after Beijing.
Thanks, Sophie