Hey all,

First post here! Hoping to get any advice I can from travel veterans here!

Background-

I will be traveling from US to Shanghai, China for a local tour that I signed up for via a travel agency based here in the US. I will be flying Cathay. Flight takes me from US -> HK (1hr layover) -> Shanghai. This will be my first time travel to mainland China by air. In my previous trips, I travel via HK by ground transportation, not really sure if it matters.

My travel docs - US Passport, HKID, Home Return Permit.

I don't know if I need to pass customs/immigrations during my HK layover at this point. Does this change anything? What would be the best way to enter/exit each port of entry I encounter?

Scenario 1:
US->HK= Exit US w/ US Passport, enter HK w/ US passport +/- HKID.
HK -> Shanghai = HKID + HRP
Shanghai -> HK = HKID +/- US Passport
HK -> US = US Passport

Scenario 2:
US -> HK (layover w/o crossing customs)/Shanghai= Exit US w/ US passport, enter Shanghai w/ US Passport + HKID + HRP (or would just the latter 2 suffice?)


My key concerns are this:
*Can I possibly make this trip w/o having to apply for a Chinese Visa?

*If I can make my entry to Shanghai w/ just HKID and HRP, can I possible use my US passport as well? God forbid I need some help w/ US consulate, I can only access it if I use my US Passport to enter.

*Since I leave the US using a US passport, would it be bad if I enter China w/o having them log my entry and then I travel through China and HK and ultimately make my return trip to the US w/o any of these countries stamping my passport? It would appear as if I went no where?

*I will be traveling w/ my girlfriend who will be using a US Passport and Chinese Visa for entry. If we move through customs/immigrations together, would it cause my issues if anything because of the different docs we are using? We are both Chinese, if it matters. (I know I sound paranoid, but I get pretty anxious when I travel to China).

Any help/suggestions/advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks!