Is 240 hour transit program really that easy?

Im planning on going to china in April for about a week then Thailand right after. I was going to get a visa but then i found out about the 240 hour transit program and wondering if it’s worth the hassle to get the visa.

Im Canadian so looks like I should qualify and I’ll be staying in Chengdu the whole time so wont need to leave the municipality.

Has anyone gone using the 240 hour transit program or heard of anyone who has? Is it as smooth and simple as it sounds? Or is there some risk you'd get denied at entry?