Travel from the UK to Beijing (with a connection in Abu-Dhabi) and then on via cruise ship to Japan.

I just want to make sure that we're eligible for a transit visa exemption?

Also, we have read an unverified report on Facebook that Beijing has recently suspended these visa exemptions for 1 month, although I can find no confirmation or even any suggestion of this anywhere else. We're very worried as it's now too late for us to apply for a proper visa. Can you confirm that these exemptions are still available?

Many thanks.