what should i do to obtain my visa ?

chicago consulate (designated as serving Colorado) is no longer taking applications for visa by mail or e-mail.
is any other consulate accepting applications from this service area ?

i know a visa must be picked up in person if granted/approved, but i don't want to go east in order to go west. i would rather spend my travel money in the people's republic than in the US.

i have been to china twice ('88 and 96-7), to taiwan province to study, and on to sichuan once, but i never traveled much in-country. i would like to remedy that on my next trip(s).

larry in colorado