Can we leave the airport?

Yes, under the 24-hour visa free arrangement, you may exit the airport for sightseeing. Just make sure you have the required documents as stated above in this article.

The most important detail is that your itinerary is eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. Now, the rules pertaining the 24 hour visa free transit scheme clearly say that a passenger has a right to travel via China under 24 hour visa free transit visa free while staying airside or to be precise in transit area. In other words, exiting the airport during a transit is not a passenger's right. However, Chinese authorities have decided to grant a temporary entry permit based on case by case situation. In other words, those with long layovers, those with a layover during the night and to those with small children, a permit is usually granted.

To conclude, you do not have essentially a right to exit the airport, but since your layover is a very long one, you will approach a transit counter (desk) where you will apply for a temporary entry permit. You will present your flight tickets and if you plant to join the tour, you will present your tour booking as well, preferably by presenting your documents in hard copy. This application is free of any charge and is resolved promptly. Based of long years experience I would say that your chance to be granted a permit are very high, however, you have to be ready for both outcomes, a positive or negative one. Hopefully, it will be a positive one. Let's be positive :)