Thanks moondog, I have been looking at yoee and elong but couldn't figure out how to book anything with them reliably (ie where do I pick up a booked ticket at the airport) and wasn't getting good communcation on questions I sent.

I will try the ctrip method, don't have a chinese cell yet since I am planning on buying my SIM card there but I assume if I just pick up a SIM card there I can take care of it or have my family order it from their landline in Dalian?

Thanks again for your advice!