72 hour TWOV in Beijing for US citizen going to India.

I am a US citizen and would like to see visit Beijing as a tourist.

I plan to buy a ticket from New York to New Delhi, flying into Beijing on Dec 3rd, 2017 at about 5:20am and out of Beijing on Dec 6th at about 8:00pm. Both my flights in and out of Beijing are direct non-stop flights from NYC and to DEL. Can I travel without a Visa and get a 72hour TWOV on arrival?

I called the Chinese Consulate in New York. They said they cannot give a definitive reply and directed me to call Beijing directly +86-10-5609 5400. I am very anxious since even the counsellate wouldn't give me a definitive yes or no.

I called the number in Beijing. Someone was speaking in Chinese and couldn't understand me or direct my call to someone who understood/spoke in
English.

Can you:
1. Advise me if I would be eligible for a 72 hour Visa?
2. How I might be able to speak/write to someone official in English?
3. How I can get an assurance or prior permission before investing in the tickets, hotel booking and probably sight seeing tours.
4. Tell me if I can buy an alternative (much cheaper) ticket that has connecting flights in Shanghai on the inbound and outbound journey. Will I still be able to use a 72 hour TWOV in Beijing?