just to let people know. i visited a tour booking / travel agent in hcmc at the beggining of september as i wanted a single entry china visa but i wanted it for the next day

the first agent said no problem and quoated me $150usd so i went to another agent next door that quoated $90usd

all they required was 2 passport photos, my vietnam departure card and payment. i know the price was much more than if i had gone to the embassy myself but it made things much easier.

the following day my passport complete with china visa was delivered to my hotel

so i recommend that anybody after a china visa should just pay the extra and let somebody els sort it out for you