Can I make it through my layover in china without a Visa?

I booked my flights from Bangkok to Los Angelos, California with a layover in China, and I am confused that I may need an airport transit visa. I've sat at the Chinese embassy for over 2 hours and they can't decide, seems like my itinerary is a grey area. Just wondering if anyone has an experience or advice for me. I fly Bangkok to chongqing for a 20 hour layover then chongqing to jinan china for a 14 hour layover, then jinan to lax. Any help is appreciated. It's my first real big travel trip and I realize now I should have done more research.