This must be the famous one-china 2-faces formula for diplomatic progress . Not trying to move into Omni territory but second the suggestion. If you are learning/know Chinese, that makes Taipei all the more logical a destination.

For a northerner, what about "and now for something completely different"--Vladivostok? I thought it was really interesting a couple of years ago.

Hong Kong is quite a city, but I don't really find much to do there (I don't shop). Tokyo should be on any to-go list, along with the other places in previous posts. Then, still urban and yet more urbane, also Kyoto.