Originally Posted by Scifience

Myself and a number of FlyerTalkers have used MyChinaVisa in the past with good results. It's been quite a few years (I've been doing it myself lately now that I'm close to a consulate), but I'm assuming they're still good.

Definitely. I got a visa from the Chicago consulate last week in two days. Adding mailing back and forth and you're at 4-5 days, tops.

I wouldn't recommend it.

Just last week I dropped off on Monday afternoon and picked up on Wednesday morning at the Chicago consulate. $160 total ($140 + $20 rush fee). If you have three business days, you can do it.

Originally Posted by jiejie

I concur with @Scifience on all but the last point. If you are not resident in the Chicago Consular District, it is unlikely they will accept your application.

Using an agent, FedEx your application and supporting materials asap, and you should have your passport with Chinese visa back in a week, probably even using Standard Service rather than Rush. Try one of the following agents:
www.mychinavisa.com (obviously use their SF office)
www.freechinavisa.org (only for those in the SF Consular district, they are reliable and often way cheaper service fee than other agents)