144 hour visa free transit in China

My boss is british and would like to know if the 144 hour free transit can be applied. He will plan to go to China mid January 2018 with following schedule : January 15th, 2018 flight London / Shanghai - January 16th Flight Shanghai / Lianyungang - January 17th or 18th Flight Lianyungang / Shanghai and Flight Shanghai / Seoul on January 19th or 20th.
Could you pls confirm this type of entry permit can be applied in that case ?
Thanks for your feedback.
Best regards