Are we eligible for visa if we get indirect flight?

We are travelling to Shenzhen in January as our family is historically from that region. However, the policy states to get a VOD that you need a direct flight into China.

Our plan is to fly from Auckland -> Chongqing on Tianjin Airlines, then 4 hours in the airport before flying Chongqing -> Shenzhen on Hainan Airlines - this may not be viewed as a stopover due to the different airlines.

Would we be eligible for a 144 hour free transit in Shenzhen if we haven't flown in direct, but rather from Chongqing?