Originally Posted by iahphx

Thanks. I recall that there is a mail-back option so you don't have to pick it up. I presume all Chinese consulates will do this?

I do see an old map from the Chinese embassy in DC carving up the country into "jurisdictional areas" for visas. It also doesn't seem like this is strictly enforced. I guess if they won't help me, I'll make the trip to my "local" consulate.