A friend of mine in BJ recently completed the process during the span of 3 business days. However, my cousin in Shenyang (who I told you guys about several weeks ago) is still being given the runaround, even after making a trip to Germany to become better documented.

As far as them taking her passport out of commission is concerned, they will give her a piece of paper that will allow her to move freely around China (planes, trains, and hotels), for whatever that's worth.