Do we require a Chinese Visa

Patricia, if I'm not wrong, you will take a 16 night Southeast Asia Cruise provided by Princess Cruises. So, if I'm right, your last port of call, immediately before Shanghai will be Busan in South Korea. After that, you plan to spend about 48 hours and then to fly to Vancouver via Tokyo Narita airport.

So, if the above mentioned is correct, you are perfectly eligible for 144 hour visa free transit in Shanghai area and you don't need any kind of visa. You will just print out your flight and cruise tickets and accommodation booking confirmation for your accommodation in Shanghai.

As far as Hong Kong is concerned, you simply don't need to think about it because it has separate immigration policy from the rest of China and Canadians don't need a visa to visit Hong Kong.

You will receive a yellow arrival card at the ship, almost certainly during the cruise between Busan and Shanghai. You will fill it out. It is also possible, but not so probable that also a blue form will be dispensed on the ship and this one is for those who intend to apply for 144 hour visa free transit. In the case that this blue form is not dispensed on the ship, you will get one at the cruise terminal in Shanghai upon your docking there. You will fill it out and shortly after, you will get a sticker in your passport and will be allowed to exit the terminal and to spend your time in Shanghai area as you wish.