Emergency

Hi there.
I have a friend whose grand dad just passed away and the funeral is this Thursday 20th July. He's got an Australian passport. If he booked a direct to Shanghai, arrive 20th July and return Sydney 23rd July, can he be exempted from the visa?
Alternative if above doesn't work, can he fly Sydney - Hong Kong ( transit) - Shanghai ( stay for funeral) - Hong Kong - Sydney, would this work for the 144 hours transit in Shanghai?

Thank you.