Lets watch how this will change ......

here the copy from the webpage of "The Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR" - this one is dated 2008-09-24 (1 month after the Olympics have been finished) - under "Additional information" you still can find this information:
quote
1. Foreigners with Hong Kong (permanent) resident status
(1) Foreigners with Hong Kong permanent resident status can apply for “L” or “F” multiple visa valid for one to three years by providing personal Hong Kong Permanent Identification Card, as well as a copy of the said ID card.
unquote
Let's see a few weeks later from now if this will be still the same.
Then also see this one you can find under "Visa to China" (should it better be "Visa for China" ?) This one is just an amended text from last year - just deleted the phrase "welcome to visit the Olympics....." and it is still dated 2008/04/13:
quote
NOTICE
(2008/04/13)

Visa applicants are increasing in a large number and need longer waiting
time in the visa office recently. If you don't reside or work in Hong Kong
permanently, you are required to apply Chinese visafrom the Embassy
or Consulate-General of Peoples' Republic of China in yourresident
country. You are welcome to China for tourism, business and visit .
unquote
And finally this one without any date - just "for your info":
quote
General information on Chinese visa
1. Applicants are advised to apply his/her Chinese visa from the Embassy or Consulate-General of Peoples’ Republic of China in the country where he/she resides or works permanently.
2. Applicants should be physically in Hong Kong during visa application except foreign business people residing presently in Taiwan.
3. Visa category, validity, number of entries and duration of each stay are issued at the discretion of the consular officers whose decisions are based strictly on relevant laws and regulations of PRC, and also on the identity and purpose of trip of applicant.
4. The consular officers are entitled to refuse any application inconsistent with relevant Chinese laws and regulations, as well as to change and/or revoke an issued visa without disclosure of the reason.
5. The contents in this enquiry system are for reference only and are subject to change without prior notice. The right to interpret is vested in the Consular Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Hong Kong SAR.
unquote
Cheers + have a happy anniversary of whatever ! I still remember the October 1st 1999 in Shanghai - this was the 50th anniversary (somewhat a better date then 60th - right ?). There was not any kind of this trouble as far as I remember. Foreigners (and our businesses - means MONEY) have been very welcome to China at this times..............