We're just finishing two weeks of Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Shanghai-Huangshan-Hangzhou-Suzhou. Great trip, especially if you like architecture, art, older-ancient culture, scenery, etc. We did no shopping. Stayed in major Western hotel chains for the most part, many of which were very nice. Most inter-city travel was by plane.
If you have similar interests, I recommend a similar itinerary.
While we booked guides in advance, you don't need one.