Ron-
There are somewhere around two dozen courses in and around Shanghai. Although I believe there is still a moratorium on golf courses in China, new ones are still being built. I have a friend who wanted to join one of the premier and established courses there and asked to check their registration before joining. On it, the 36 hole golf course was approved only for a 25 bay driving range. They built anyway. This is China.
Basically, a lot of the courses I've played there basically feature the same elements - kitschy giant clubhouse, water designed to be in play on every hole, and long rounds on the weekends. Shanghai is basically flat and moving earth doesn't seem to be much of a problem, so if you want variation in terrain, you create it.
That being said, my favorite course there is Shanghai Links. It's a Nicklaus routed 27 hole golf course, but through mismanagement they only have 18 holes. The design is good, the course is enjoyable and the greens are the best in the area. (shanghailinks.com.cn)
Sheshan, the course that hosts the HSBC Champions event every November, is also a good one.
Outside of Shanghai, Spring City Resort in Kunming is very good. The mountain setting is outstanding.
http://www.springcityresort.com/home.aspxGolf started in Japan here in the Kansai area- Kobe Country Club, Naruo and Hirono are all in the vicinity. There are a lot of decent courses in the area. Outside of the ones above Golden Valley is probably my favorite.
Recently, I've been playing quite a bit in Vietnam. Lots of potential there and some amazing dunes sites north of Saigon. A bit more remote for most than Bandon, OR or Mullen, NE but I'm hoping they get discovered and some interesting courses get built.
Anyway, happy to be a part of GCA. Thanks for the welcome.