Hello to the China Experts

I have to inspect a container of "antiques" at Cixi.
They advise I can access through Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.
I will be coming via BKK.
I would prefer to fly *A

MY QUESTION
From which apt have you found to be the best.
I imagine it's an industrial city, that I dont want to overnight in, so can I get back out?
OR should I stay overnight to see something as I have come this far?
I appreciate I can locate this info relatively easy, but I thought as the city is frequented by o/s buyers, someone on this board may have been there before me and has ironed out all the pitfalls. If that is the case, feel free to set me on the straight and narrow. regards and thanks in anticipation.