Originally Posted by
moondog
It would only cost you $160 (rough equivalent in HKD) if you get it in HK (no need to use an agent if you're already there).
Also just came upon this Facebook discussion group randomly.
Somehow the link turns into a box when shows up on FT. However I copied pasted the relevant posts that are readable, and the raw link still pulls up the experience of a UK citizen born in Hong Kong, whose Chinese Visa application was rejected and being told he needed to get Home Return Permit.
Basically it is just like the video upthread, China treats this group of Chinese ethnicity the worst, creates all kind of obstacles for even just want to visit China as tourists.
The copied pasted posts beliw
Stanley Ay
I am afraid there is no easy way to get around it unless you use the 240 hours transit program. Since you are born in HK, you are eligible HK citizen even you don't have HKID and therefore visa is not applicable to you. For HK citizen, China issue separate kind of ID for unlimited entries up to 5 years. So you can go back to HK, then apply for HKID, after you get it. Apply that China travel ID. No need for HK passport because even HK passport won't get you into China. China view HK as part of China, and Visa is only for foreigners. So from their point of view, you are Chinese. That's why they request you renounce HK citizenship before you can get a Visa. Anyway, it's a lengthy process. One side point, be careful when you are in HK/China, if you get into trouble with the law, they will say you are Chinese (even you have US passport) just because you are born in HK ( part of China).
Holly Ichino
There are posts from other members about it on this group page. Here’s one from a British citizen. US citizens born in HK also had similar experience. You can search for their posts.
Therefore TWOV is the only, for now.
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A UK citizen born in HKG got reflected on his application of Chinese Visa precisely as what I explained in above post.
More posts
Kelina Liu
My 2 brothers born in HK, US citizens decades ago and no HKSAR passport. Their visa applications got denied. They went thru travel agent (familiar with HK born applicants), they were told the same thing - go back to HK, declare to change the nationality. Get the certificate and come back to US to apply for the visa. The entire process of changing nationality needs 21 days in HK, and need to leave all original docus with HK immigration dept.
Eventually they used 240 hrs TWOV.
This happened in Q3 of 2024. Not sure if it is still the same now.
Krissy Chan
Your friend is right. I was born in HK, US citizen and was told by my travel agent few months ago China changed the rule last October (?). HK born US citizens are no longer able to be approved for a 10-year China visa but there is a chance you can get a one-time entry permit (or whatever it is called). I didn’t apply for it since my agent said it may not get approved.
You can, on the other hand, go to HK first with your US passport (no visa needed of course) and apply for a “Mainland Travel Permit for HK and Macau Residents (回鄉證)” using your HK birth certificate. To get approval for a 回鄉證, they will only consider you as a China citizen regardless if you hold a US passport. Actually, you most likely need to get a HK ID first (using your HK birth certificate) before you can even apply for a 回鄉證. If approve, you can enter China that way, it’s super convenient and it’s good for 10-years as well.
I am kinda on the same boat as you and my friend is on the same boat. I already reached out to the dept to handle 回鄉證 in HK and made an appointment with them. Good luck to you.
Krissy Chan
=AZUtjD5hopHXo8KcjpVAibrPiNDU9Won-t1dUhMhMSE5BJAXg6EnoUrBFeIdELlKyhuXgXgLGLbV-Za6JthwZLy4Wx-z4BtxIS2Db8o0H3N4HMvshUfb1t1WKmVsglM0I4zze0GbsnJid 7fLf_i3PLO1UluRh_oeujHAahxOgktbS0L_LkD0L8_N-27srvwhRYc&__tn__=R]-R]JJ James Our family went through this, those who were not born in HK got their visas approved. I was born in HK, I couldn’t get one because they changed the rule last year. I need to get my 回鄉證in HK in order to travel to China. Another friend of mine is on the same boat and we didn’t use the same travel agent. 
Thank you. 