Do I need to apply for a visa or do the 144 hour visa?

Hello, I am flying from Australia to Shanghai PVG, arrive on Mar 27th and taking cruise leaving 28th from Baoshan to South Korea and then going to Beijing. We will be in Beijing for 3 days after then we will cruise back to South Korea and Japan afterwards where I will fly back to Australia. Am I required to have Visa during my short stay in shanghai and Beijing or can I apply for the 144hour visa?