Is Ctrip now the best one to book with? No problems with foreign credit cards and such these days? Any other sites worth comparison shopping? And I assume the internet is now as good as trying to find a deal at a local travel agent after you arrive?

Thanks for sparing me the search through the archives. My knowledge is now almost 2 years old, which is like ancient history in China.

BTW, what's the max out you can book a rail sleeper these days?