All I can confirm is that in my case with a cancelled Z visa ( several years ago), and with the latest residence permit that expired mid-August and no longer teaching, I was told Hong Kong was not an option in the province where my wife has the business.

If you could reveal the province, it could be helpful to others. I am hearing different things about different provinces. I know in Beijing it is now being enforced. Again, it's your right not to, and I won't push it further than needs be.

Flying to China and back to the UK depends on a number of things - cost, schedule, connections (if necessary).

Indeed it does, nothing is ever straightforward, is it?

I've flown BA, Cathay, Aeroflot( awful) and several Chinese airlines.

Flown BA (which compared to emirates, I thought was awful!) but better than Lufthansa. Would never fly KLM either, from what I have read about their economy class seats. Singapore Airlines are also good. Emirates very good in economy,esp.on the a380, even better in business class on the 777 and A380. Aeroflot are awful, thought they had got all new fleet now, but had heard bad things? Also heard China Air are not so good.

Also it depends on what is on offer at the travel agent unless one gets a ticket online.

True, but I always go to the emirates office in either Guangzhou or Hong Kong (I do believe BJ and SH have an office too!) with my skywards frequent flyer card and pay in cash on the nail. This way you get a receipt to get your flight reimbursed. The chinese love their fa piaos and red stamps, do they not?

Weather is typical but quite pleasant and less tiring than the Chinese heat and humidity I left over a week ago.

Nice, do like the UK summers, much milder.

Good luck
SMGS