Howdy Howdy Howdy
American here, planning on visiting China for the first time at the end of the year.
Specifically wondering if anyone here has any advice on the visa process for American citizens -- I've been researching myself but I keep finding either conflicting or outdated information since things seem to change rapidly.
From what I gathered, one needs to make an appointment window to the closest Chinese Consulate and apply for a travel visa in person-- which is then good for repeat visits up to 10 years? Or are there single use visas as well?
Also I'll be happy for any advice about visiting in general-- it's a huge country and a lot of ideas to sift through. Was suggested for phone (android) VPN, sim card, WeChat, WayGo, Baidu, 12306, Didi, MetroMan, and Trip.com (missing any?)
Mighty obliged folks, yeehaw
Definitely go through an agency unless you live in the same city as the consulate.
Now I’m a bit spoiled since I have a crewmember visa that’s essentially taken care of by my employer, but I imagine the process through an agency is basically the same except you have to pay for it. I think there’s a small chance you’ll have to personally go in for some extra secondary screening but that’s a random selection process and it’s pretty rare.