We are American and flying this route:
- USA > TPE
- TPE > PEK
- PEK > KIX (5 days in Beijing)
- Train to Tokyo
- NRT > USA
1 and 2 are on Airline A, 3 is on Airline B, 5 is on Airline C.
I am assuming airlines don't matter, only the Chinese cities, so does this qualify for 144 hour visa?
Source: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/visa/free-transit-144-hours.htm
Related: What does 'Confirmed Seat' mean with regards to Beijing 144-hour visa-free transit?
Update: tldr - Yes it qualifies but still needs a temporary entry permit which is called a visa in Chinese. More details below.