[Rick Lee]

China (PRC) doesn't care where you enter. Multiple-entry visas are the same price as single-entry and are good for a year from the time you enter. No reason not to get a multiple-entry visa. I've done it a few times with no invitation letter and I don't think I even produced a paid hotel booking with the visa app. Direct flights from Taiwan to the PRC are not a permanent thing. They seem to do it for a few mos. suspend them and then start up again. Hong Kong is easiest and you can apply at the local Public Security Bureau there for a Mainland visa and then take the train to the border and walk across. Or there are lots of Chinese travel agencies in the US that will get it for you for an addtional $30-$50 fee.

I have a cousin in-law who is Chinese but has a Canadian passport. She recently flew to Shanghai for a funeral and didn't have enough notice to get a rush visa. I don't know how they let her on the plane, but she was detained for five hours in Shanghai before getting a 72 hr. visa. Total PITA.