Could i stay within airport for 17 hour layover period? Do i need transit visa to stay for that time

I am a citizen of Nepal and travelling to salt lake city, utah, USA to kathmandu, Nepal. I have 17 hour layover in Kunming, China. I do not want to stay in hotel. So, could i stay within kunming international airport for 17 hour layover? Do i need any kind of transit G type for that?

Thank You
Sal Bir Limbu