Multiple stops in China within 5 days

Shreyasi, the basic rule of 24 hour visa free transit is that you are allowed to have more than one stop in China, but the entire transit time, counting from your first scheduled arrival until your last scheduled departure has to be shorter than 24 hours.

Based on the rule, your first itinerary is definitely and undeniably eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. Also, it is fine to travel on separate tickets and on unrelated airlines. So, when you land in Guangzhou, the first thing you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit in order to be allowed to exit the airport and to collect your luggage, to have a night rest in the hotel and to finally catch your flight to Jakarta. This application is free of any charge and here you will present your flight tickets and your hotel booking if you plan to spend the night in the hotel.

After your permit is granted you will head to the immigration and then to the city/to your hotel.

Your second flight is not eligible for 24 hour visa free transit because it exceeds 24 hours. It is important to understand that all the formalities are done at the first landing in China, so the start of your 24 hours begins in Nanjing, and not in Xiamen. So, if you plan to retain your second flight, you will have to obtain a Chinese transit visa in advance otherwise, you will not be allowed to board the plane in Kuala Lumpur.

If you cannot change your flights, you will have to obtain a Chinese transit visa in advance and when you go to the relevant consulate, it is advisable to obtain a double entry Chinese transit visa to cover even your first leg of travel. A transit visa is much easier to obtain compared to any other.