there are so many incredible options in China, it's so hard to choose. I will be traveling in November and I believe at this point have narrowed it down to include: Shanghai, Li River area/Southwest, Xi'an, Beijing. I am planning at minimum a 13 night trip, but can extend it to 14 nights if needed. I have one night to play in my schedule and don't know where to add the extra night... Shanghai??? that's where I will arrive... maybe it's best to spend an extra night there to help with the long trip from the US?
I am currently thinking:
3 nights Shanghai
4 nights Li River area/Southwest (fly into Guilin)
1 night Xi'an
3 nights Beijing

I know there is also a lot to see in the Southwest, I plan to spend time in Guilin, Longshen, Yangshou, day cruise in Yangshou toward Xingping... is four nights enough or whould it make sense to add another night in this area or one of the bigger cities like shanghai or beijing

I have received an expensive quote from Wild China just for the 4 nights in the Southwest, which includes the land portion, hotel, guides, meals for $1800+... I would like the easy of transportation from the small towns and possibly a guide where needed. Wild China has proposed a beautiful itinerary, but it is only a portion of my trip and I might need to cut things out of the itinerary (they won't do the land only portion without hotel and meals which I understand, but it may not suit my needs).

thank you in advance for your feedback