I am trying to put together plans for the 2009 eclipse. On the Chinese coast just outside of Shanghai seems to be one place with the best weather prospects. Does anyone know how I might get there (particularly since I'm not sure where "there" is, at least not in more detail than the above)?

I really don't like tour groups and would prefer to travel to China on my own.

Can I get to Tibet on my own? I assume I will need a permit.

I'd also like to get to western China--Dunhuang, Urumchi, Kashgar (the latter two to finish my Silk Road adventures) Is this possible on my own?

Can anyone recommend a good travel agent for China? I've spent 5 weeks in China, but that was before independent travel was allowed and it was on two different tours.