Shanghai-transit visa for Egyptian passport holder

Hi, my husband and I are planning a trip to Japan. We are thinking of buying a flight which has a 20 h transit in Shanghai on the wayfrom Dubai to Japan and from Japan back to Dubai. I am a canadian citize, which I think falls under the free transit countries. However, my husband is Egyptian. Could you advise if it would be possible for him to get a visa for those two transit (Dubai-Shanghai-Tokyo & Tokyo-Shanghai-Dubai). Should he apply for multiple entry or which type exactly?
Your guidance is much appreciated as we would like to take this opportunity to visit Shanghai!
Thanks,
Sarah