Visa Application (China & Hong Kong)

I am an American living in Prague. I am contemplating a move to either Shanghai or Hong Kong. If I move to either place, I would like to visit the other. I would like the details as to how I should proceed.

I would like to stop by theEmbassy in Prague, but I do not speak either Chinese or Czech, only English. Will there be someone there that I may be able to speak with in English?

Thank you!

Stuart