We just returned from the Viking Imperial Cruise with the Guilin/ Hong Kong extension.
There are many other reviews that will give you an idea of what to expect so I will try to fill in with our experience.
I think everyone in our "group" was humbled by how big China is and how much development has, and is, taking place. It is impossible to explain to anyone or capture in photographs what is occurring there. If you have ever been to Africa and seen the Serengeti and how open and expansive it is and tried to tell someone what it feels like...China is just the opposite!
In general, I think any cabin forward is usually more quiet on a river cruise.All the rooms have balconies. One of our group had one of the "Explore Suites" and they were fantastic with a 270 degree view of the river.