and it looks like going to Hong Kong to get your Z-visa is totally legit.

But remember, it won't be Hong Kong that issues you your visa. It will be the representatives of the PRC in the China resources building that do so.It is not up to HK to issue you a visa for the mainland, it is up to the mainland authorities via their offices in HK (yes HK and Macau are still seen as territories, in some ways) and I certainly would not go and work for them on the basis that it "looks like" going to Hong Kong is totally legit.You would want to know first hand, eg, from a mate with the same passport at you. Lest we forget it can differ from province to province and city to city even....How do I know, because I'm f*****g stuck in HK after a failed visa run, that's how!!!!