Chinese Visa Question

[aahz]

So, after a few years of working in Taiwan, I found my job in Shanghai.
I went to the local travel agency to get my visa and plain ticket. I came back here on a tourist visa, figuring I'd find a job then get my ARC application in again (or find a job in China, which I did). At the agency, I found out something kind of strange. Apparently, if you do not have an ARC or are a Taiwanese citizen, you cannot get a Chinese Visa in Taiwan. They have no Chinese embassy here.
They suggested that I go to Hong Kong. There, they said, I should be able to get a Chinese Visa. I went online to check and sure enough found several sites that seemed tailor made to this. But, I also found some websites that said US citizens can only get their initial visitors visa in the Chinese embassy closest to their home state. That would imply that I have to go BACK to the United States to get a travelers visa to China.
So, my simple question is,
does anyone know if US Citizens can get a tourist visa to China in Hong Kong?

[archylgp]

So, after a few years of working in Taiwan, I found my job in Shanghai.
I went to the local travel agency to get my visa and plain ticket. I came back here on a tourist visa, figuring I'd find a job then get my ARC application in again (or find a job in China, which I did). At the agency, I found out something kind of strange. Apparently, if you do not have an ARC or are a Taiwanese citizen, you cannot get a Chinese Visa in Taiwan. They have no Chinese embassy here.
They suggested that I go to Hong Kong. There, they said, I should be able to get a Chinese Visa. I went online to check and sure enough found several sites that seemed tailor made to this. But, I also found some websites that said US citizens can only get their initial visitors visa in the Chinese embassy closest to their home state. That would imply that I have to go BACK to the United States to get a travelers visa to China.
So, my simple question is,
does anyone know if US Citizens can get a tourist visa to China in Hong Kong?

If you are going to China for a job, it's my understanding that using a tourist visa, entering China, and then switching it to a Z visa (or whatever) is a really bad idea. I have been told that you should get the proper work visa before going into China. I would look into this...

[Baas Babelaas]

If your new company/school/boss is bringing you in legally on a Z visa you will prolly have to return to the States to get it.

To get the visa you need a health check, invite papers by the co/school/boss etc.

If you're going in on a business or tourist visa you should be able to get 3/6 months in HK.

[asian boy]

. They have no Chinese embassy here. So, my simple question is, does anyone know if US Citizens can get a tourist visa to China in Hong Kong?

Of course China doesn't have an Embassy here. Yes you can get a visa in HK without doing back to the USA it's what our US employees do because they come to visit our HK office then need to go to our factory in China.

[Mucha Man]

Yes, it should be possible. Just call or email one of the HK agencies and ask.

But if you have been in Taiwan working for 3 years how is it you don't have an ARC?

[Belgian Pie]

Apparently, if you do not have an ARC or are a Taiwanese citizen, you cannot get a Chinese Visa in Taiwan. They have no Chinese embassy here.

Jeez, why would that be?