Tapei/Shanghai/Boracay

I really can’t give much advice but I’ve been to Shanghai back in the 80s. Bikes were the mode of transport along with buses. We didn’t see many cars like we did in the late 90s. Bikes disappeared for hoards of motor bikes.
From the reports of smog, I can only imagine the hoards of cars today.
People stared at my blonde hair a lot. I’m sure they have seen many more blondes since.

We really enjoyed our visit there and other parts of China.

I have visited China three times and one in Taiwan.
Recommend taking a tour for the PRC, rather than trying to do it on your own.

Suggest researching at least three tour companies. We do a lot of group tours on Gate 1 Travel and love them and their prices.

As for Taipei and Taiwan, do not miss the wonderful museum in Taipei that was moved by the Nationalists from Being.

We lived in China 20 years ago and I traveled to Taipei regularly for business. Highly recommend a tour for ease of getting around in China. Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, and Liajiang would be high on my list of places to go. Hainan is also interesting if you have time. My Taipei experience is limited to business but I know that Taiwan is a beautiful country with lovely people. It's very different from Mainland China and worth a visit. Again, I would use a tour company or find a reputable company and model their plans. We have not been to Boracay but have many friends/colleagues who visited regularly and love it.

The Philippines has some amazing islands, but Boracay is extremely touristy. It's been 12 years but I did not love it.