Do I need to claim my luggage?

On an Australia to France journey, I will have a 6 hours transit time in Shanghai airport. Il I want to get a 72h-free-visa to get out of the airport and to the city for a couple of hours, can I leave my luggage checked with the airline, or do I have to claim my luggage then check it again? Both flights are operated by the same Chinese company (I would like to leave my luggage checked so that I don't need to carry my suitcase with me during the short visit in the city).