For Xi'an, we had way more fun hiring a taxi for the day to take us where we wanted to go rather than a tour group. The tours spend a ton of time at "Factories" trying to get you to buy something.
If you land in Shanghai take the Maglev train from the airport to the city. When else will you get the chance to commute at 430 kmph.
We didn't know any Mandarin when we went and got on fine most of the time. Inter city bus stations were a nightmare though if you don't speak Mandarin, just a mad rush to the windows with everyone yelling and no idea which "line" we should stand in.
There are still hotels in China that won't let foreigners stay, but not likely in the major centers.
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