Grafter, there is a flying school in Shanghai.
It has Cessna 172s. You can learn to fly and be tested/examined for an FAA Private Licence.
There are restrictions / limitations on where you may fly. These may or may not be acceptable to you but this is their train set.
The people involved are all locals. Also they are enthusiastic and professional.
Language is always a problem unless you have already become fluent in either Shanghainese or Mandarin (Putong Wha).
A designated flying area has been set aside for use by the club and encompasses three or four satellite airports. Approved cross-country routes north, south and west total over 1000 kilometres.
If you wish to check this out please feel free to contact me when you arrive and I shall point you in the right direction.