ChiefNWA: moondog gave you the best advice upthread--just get a visa and get your @ss covered for any eventuality. Since you're in Tampa, you'll probably need to send your stuff to an agent. I'd use somebody in DC or Houston. Total cost by the time you pay for official visa, agent fees, Express Mail or FedEx (trackable) will be upwards of $200. You should be able to get a 12 month multiple-entry no sweat on your own.

If this cost is not worth it to you, then reconsider China as your destination and take my original advice to use your time more wisely for a trip in this hemisphere.