There are five cities to choose from: the embassy in Beijing, and consulates in Shanghai, Chengdu, Guanzhou, and Shenyang.

Services offered include:
(1) applying for or renewing passports, as well as replacing lost or stolen passports;
(2) applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA);
(3) notarial services; and
(4) marriageability affidavits.

In Shanghai, you will typically go to the Consulate office at Westgate Mall at 1038 West Nanjing Road, near the West Nanjing subway stop on Line 2. You’ll need to take an elevator up to the 8th floor above the mall. Be prepared for long lines, but if you have an appointment it will be OK.

For notary services, be sure to bring your passport and a wad of money. Each document you want notarized will cost your something like $50. Bet you thought your taxpayer dollars ought to cover that, right?

As the website indicates, no appointment is needed for some services:

• Apply for Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRODA)
• Report a passport lost/stolen when you are in urgent need to travel outside of China.  Bring proof of pending travel to ACS office
• Pick up passport and/or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) upon notification they are ready
• Pick up Social Security checks or ask questions about Social Security benefits
• Submit additional documents requested for a pending passport application
• Register to vote

The offices are busy but the service strikes me as very professional and well organized. Good luck!

The post How to Schedule a Visit with the US Embassy/Consulate in China first appeared on Jeff Lindsay's Site and the Shake Well Blog.