Shanghai is advisable.And you will first see the most NewYork taste city in China. Shanghai will give you a whole new view of real China.To be continue,Hangzhou is good choice.Oh,don't foget Xi'an, terra cotta warriors locate in Xian!And maybe Lijiang is also a good choice.
Have a nice day~~~

You may contact your local airline company to check which cities they have direct flights with your departure place. Usually Beijing, Shanghai and Hongkong are common arrival cities.