Visa extensions are handled by the Foreign Affairs section of the Public Security Bureau (PSB), so you can apply for one inany reasonably sized town. The amount of money you’ll pay for this, and the amount of hassle you’ll have, varies greatly depending on where you are, your nationality, and what season it is. The best time of day to apply for an extension is just after lunch, when corpu utes; in cities it can take up to a week.

The worst place to apply is Tibet - you’ll be given a week at most. The next worst places to
apply are Beijing and then Shanghai - they keep your passport for up to a week.

A second or third extension is harder to get in major cities you will probably be turned away. PSB offices in small towns are a much better bat, and you’d be unlucky to come away without some kind of extension, though it may only be for ten or twenty days. You will be asked your reasons for wanting an extension - simply saying you want to spend more time in this wonderful country usually goes down well, or you could cite illness or transport delays. Don’t admit to being low on funds.

Fourth or even fifth extensions are possible, but you’ll need to foster connections with a PSB office. Ask advice from a local independent travel agent - they often have the right sort of contacts. Alternatively, try going to a lawyer, though they’ll charge a lot.

Don’t overstay your visa even for a few hours - the fine is Y500 a day, and if you’re caught at the airport with an out-of-date visa the hassle that follows may mean you miss your flight.