Arriving Shanghai from Princess cruise and flying back to the UK the following day, do i need a visa

I am from the UK (British Citizen) and I am going on a cruise from Singapore to Shanghai visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea on route. I arrive in Shanghai at 09:30, staying one night and then will leave the following day to fly back to the UK at 11:00. Do I need to apply for a visa or am I eligible for the 144 hour visa free transit?
If eligible for the 144 hour exemption visa, can I apply for it on line, if so how far in advance can I apply?
If I cannot apply on line how do I apply for it.