Originally Posted by
dtsm
I have had both a HKID and HKSARS passport for many years now, but whenever I visit China, do so with my US passport and tourist visa.
However, and no disrespect intended, if one does something stupid or gets into trouble in China, if you are 'Chinese' [regardless of your citizenship, place of birth, etc.] it doesn't matter which passport you are holding.
I generally think of the infamous Manila hostage incident, natural disaster or unexpected civil disturbance such as the riots in Tibet a while ago that requires an emergency evacuation.
Your consulate will not be able to help if you enter China with a Chinese travel document.
However, it is also known that consular assistance has been denied to “foreigners” of Chinese origin even though they had entered on a foreign passport.
Bottom line – “entitled but may not get” vs. “not entitled so don’t even bother to ask”.
It's a personal choice.