Across from the Chinese embassy a good example of "progress" - some old buildings including temples are torn down to build highrisers. I had read good reviews about the embassy, and it was as easy as told. Being first in line it took 5 minutes for the woman to check my documentation and then i was send to the bank to pay. Lucky third time? Not really - rather a more conservative approach asking for only 30 days and having documentation for entering/exiting China. Proper paperwork is everything applying for a Chinese visa...