Is it too late to submit my application to China?

I'm flying to LA on the 31st of December and will be having a stop over in Beijing for 22 hours before my flight out. I still haven't applied for my visa. I'm looking to do it next week Monday which will be the 17/12/2012, will I still be able to get one on time and travel on the booked dates?

Also, I'll be stopping over in Gangzhou for no more than 3 hours on the way back from LA to SYD, can I apply for a double entry visa only?