Visa in Almaty versus Astana

Thank you in advance for replying...

I am British my wife is Kazakh. I have my Z visa and wish for my wife to visit me in China as a tourist only (Apply for family visa at a later date). She is registered in Uralsk West Kazakhstan....Geographically the Astana consulate is closest. However we would much prefer to apply at the Almaty consulate. Our agent insists the Chinese authorities will not allow her to apply in Almaty. Can anyone verify this? I would be grateful... thanks you