Jade_Embassy716 I think they are making the TWOV a lot easier now. I printed out all my hotel reservations and outbound flight details. Migrated with parents to the US when I was a child. Became citizen and changed name. He only asked for my Chinese name which I had it typed in my phone’s notepad. Didn’t ask me anything about hukou (戶口). Took about 5 minutes.
Metro_Transit595 I went through a similar application recently. The biggest delay was not the pickup itself, it was getting every document into the exact format the counter staff wanted.
china-checkin-desk My checklist now is simple: printed application, passport copy, itinerary, hotel bookings, and copies of any old China visas. Having paper backups saved me a second trip.
Mango_Permit824 If your timeline is tight, I would avoid locking in anything expensive until the passport is back in hand. A holdable itinerary or refundable booking removes a lot of stress.