I'm afraid you can only get the Chin avisa in UK at present, now it is alittle bit difficult to apply for a China visa in a third country.

Various replies have stated that you cannot get a visa in a third country. This is not always true. Foreigners can obtain visas in Australia - it is stated on the application form and I checked with the information officer there.

I have heard it is also possible in European countries but I am not sure if applies to all. I contacted a visa agent in London and was told that they could get a visa for me (on an Australian passport).

I have also heard that if you can show some sort of residency, however brief, your application can be considered.

Otherwise, come to Hong Kong first and apply there, of course it adds time and you might not be granted such a long visa.