Originally Posted by
gadget
I’m aware. There are even cheaper options among those direct flights. Shanghai is the main but wouldn’t be the only intended destination!
In that case, you might want to research flights on a one way basis too. Round trip tickets typically don't afford much, if any, savings.
On a slightly related note, if you want to stay in a gateway city (e.g. XMN, HAK, KMG) for a few days, the fares you see for same day connections often permit true stopovers.