Ottawa-Vancouver-Beijing-Nanjing
My parents went to back to Nanjing by this route, they said it was pretty convenient and easier than flying to Shanghai and go back to Nanjing by bus. their flight was Air China. they fly from Ottawa at 8:30am, arrive Beijing around 5am (ottawa time, the next day), they transfer to the flight to Nanjing at 8:30am(Ottawa time), arrive to Nanjing at 10am (ottawa time), the total travel time is around 30hrs.
BTW, if you fly with Air China, the domestic trip (Beijing-Nanjing) will be very cheap. and you can book the total trip through any travel agent in ottawa...I used JBC travel.
Good luck!