The last time I bought bitcoins was about 6 months ago at btcchina.com.

Unfortunately, buying at btcchina seems to keep getting more complicated.

Are there any convenient alternatives?

private markets, tor, lots of ways. ill sell you btc at 2100Y:1btc. min 3btc per trans, face to face trans only

You might be able to buy on a non-Chinese exchange if you have a foreign permanent address. The complexity can vary depending on where you're from though.

otherwise lawlz's price is relatively fair for a direct buy, IMO.