Cathay is still doing polar routes over Russia but yeah otherwise it seems like us east coasters will have to wait for the Chinese airlines to ramp up if we want direct flights.

I see China Eastern has started from Toronto-Shanghai direct, but the fares are mind boggling right now. Lots of demand.

If you are a non-Chinese citizen going through Taipei seems like an economical route for the time being since really only foreigners can roundtrip through it (citizens can one way to China, but its a hassle going back).