24 hour transit visa - can I leave the international airport area?

Hello.

I have a 18 hour transit in Guangzhou flying from Christchurch, New Zealand to Amsterdam, Netherlands in January 2019. I'm eligible for the 24 hour visa based on my passport, but will it be possible to leave the international transit area at the airport so I can stay at my free transit hotel? It's a bit unclear and it seems to depend on the officer at the airport. I have an application at the Chinese embassy for at tourist visa, but I not sure if there's any point getting one when I possibly can get free 24 hour visa on arrival (and possible leave the airport).

Any tips, recommendations would be great!