would anyone know the best timing to visit the embassy for the single entry China visa?

You need to apply for a visa for your 10-day trip in Guilin.
Yes, you can go to the China embassy next monday Morning Oct. 19, the office hours of the consular office is:
Office Hours for Application: 09:00-11:30, Monday-Friday (except holidays)
Office Hours for Pick Up: 09:00-12:00, 15:00-16:00, Monday-Friday (except holidays)
1 working day processing is available in the embassy now, please don't worry.

Hi Ms Emily I think I'm on the same trip as you, but I'll be applying for my visa in Msia since from what I've read, can apply in Malaysia too at a cheaper fee (RM 30), and they don't need to retain your passport... so can just get a relative to help pickup the visa once it's processed...

Good morning Mr Robert, thanks for your quick reply.

Hi Emily, not sure if you received my last post, was just checking back and don't seem to see it here... strange... anyways i went to the malaysian china embassy last friday, but sad to say they still need to retain your passport for processing of the visa. I opted for the same day express service (RM 140) since I was already there... anyways a friend who visited china recently mentioned that you can also just pass your passport to any travel agency here, just need to pay SGD 30 extra in most cases... hope this helps =)

Hi Joe, thanks. Your message well noted. Finally visa application done on last Friday, 06/Nov....^-^