I recently visited several Asian cities, and had a grand time as a first-time tourist in that part of the world. I'm planning my next trip to the Far East, and would like to include Beijing and Shanghai.

I do realize that travel and tourism are highly personal activities. My own touristic interests are in art, history, and architecture ... and the Great Wall, of course. I do not speak Chinese. I do not mind at all joining day tours, as long as they are conducted in English.

I am hoping that the China experts here on this board might share some thoughts with me: is Beijing a 3-night or a 4-night city for a person of my interests?

Similarly, Shanghai: a 3-night city or a 4-night city?

Are there other cities in China worth 3 or perhaps 4 nights too?

Thanks very much.