I'm a cornell alum too!

Anyway...as long as you aren't traveling during a busy period such as chinese new year i'd just book it a few days in advance when you're already in China...it'll be easy enough and you may catch some last minute fares.

I doubt the prices will go up from what you're seeing now anyway...not to mention sometimes the local agencies might have some fares you don't see online.

i'm going to be in HK next week and I'm just going to buy tickets on Dec 28th for Jan 1st departure...I think a bunch of ppl will be flying that day, but still I think it'll be fine.