Score one for Shanghai!  Through the Oriental-List comes a perfectly reasonable suggestion:

<quote>Sameach asked about traveling solo in China-- 

Yes, and Peter just answered most of your questions. I would add one thing. I would skip Hong Kong if possible and fly directly into Shanghai. Hong Kong is too commercial, too expensive, and too time consuming. Go directly to Shanghai. See the vestiges of the Jewish community and one of the last two synagogues in China. View the video that the caretaker (Chinese man who speaks perfect English) will show you and visit the museum adjoining. Walk around the neighborhood. Enjoy Shanghai and all it offers.</quote>

Still, that doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to my visa run.  For long-time Shanghai residents, a trip to Hong Kong can be that comforting reminder of home without the cost of an trans-Pacific plane ticket.