I've just recently come back from my first trip to China, and had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. However, for this recommendation, I'll just focus on my time in Shanghai as I feel the city is a good way to ease into Chinese travel (which can be quite challenging, particularly with regards to language and text).
Shanghai has had many years of external cultural influences and you will still find a large number of ex-pats living here. So, for the new visitor there is a pretty big English speak...
