In all the times I have booked domestic Chinese flights through ctrip, I have NEVER had a booking not appear. I don't personally ever bother with calling airlines and checking PNR's, etc. I take a printout of confirmation along as backup...but never have had to use that either. Just step up to check-in, present your passport, and there you go!
You may be surprised to find that paradoxically, using the Chinese-based online agencies such as ctrip, elong, etc. for Chinese flights is more reliable and trustworthy than whatever it is you're used to using with your own domestic flights.