Originally Posted by MSPeconomist

If the OP is going to a small city in southern China, this is likely to require a CZ or other mainland China partner airline, probably not available as a codeshare. Try calling DL, although if you purchase the ticket by phone without status, there could be a phone booking fee. Some have reported it being avoided/waived either by having the flight reservations put on hold and then purchased on line or by pointing out that this isn't bookable on line and asking for an exception.

Alternatively, do you want to consider using a real (not online) travel agent for this trip?