Does anyone know if there is a visa extension office in Shangri-La, and if so, how long does it take to process a visa extension there? Can it be done in less than the standard 5 days? Will the office there be open on the 8th (Saturday next week); the Kunming one will be? Otherwise, would Lijiang or Dali be good places to get an extension?

I just read from the 2009 Lonely Planet China guide that there is indeed a PSB office there - does anyone know if things have changed since then?

About 6 weeks ago, I met a Spanish cyclist in Shangri-La who was waiting on his visa extension there. Seems like it's possible, but I didn't ask how much or how long or what documents you need.

I was there last May, had my visa extension at the same day.

That's what written at Lonely Planet, though they firstly said 1-2 days.

So I wouldn't count on same day extension, but it's fast and unlike my friend that got only 10 days extension (for our second extension)at Xi'an,
I got a month.

OK, sounds good. I also read same day extensions are possible - in any case, do you guys know the address of the PSB in Shangri-La? I found an address in my Lonely Planet guide, but they claim it was moving (as of May 2009) of course I could also check the May 2011 version to see if things have changed.

I wouldn't worry about it moving around. Shangri-La has grown, but a 20 min walk still gets you about everywhere. Just have the Chinese name for PSB handy or any of the hostels in the old town can point you the way.

Just found out that neither the Shangri-La nor the Kunming PSB are willing to extend residence permits (for example student visas) by converting them to tourist visas. If you wanted to spend more time in China after a study course (or work contract for example), you'd have to either get an extension through your sponsoring institution (employer or school) or be forced to leave the country, apply for a tourist visa, then come back. How bureaucratic and complicated, but it's good to know.