I'm pleased to report I received my China visa today (FedEx). I mailed package off 10/12/2011 - so 9 days without my passport! SF Consulate - L visa, multiple entry, 12 months. :-: I used www.mychinavisa.com (after I saw a recommendation on FT) and was very happy with their service. However I feel the Chinese visa application process is burdensome and expensive. Including photos, this has cost $241. This is for standard service - expedited service would have been more.

Of course, having the Chinese Consulate in Toronto refuse to issue me a visa when I went there in person did not put me in a good mood.