I agree, and think the ridiculous amount of money being thrown at Pandas shows that humans are still protecting things because they are cute and not because larger issues of cyclical ecosystem functions and the roles of each species in the wider system. I think we're still missing the bigger picture of a system of survival based on competition and evolution (which means anti-survival species like the pand would die out). Mostly, maybe, because we don't want to be in the cycle ourselves- the most difficult question coming out of that being whether you'd still support the reintroduction of wolves if your child's life were at risk as a result, or whether you'd support saving elephants if they typically ground your farm crops into a pulp. We can throw plenty of money at the pandas but there are so many animals that serve a real function in their habitats but aren't lucky enough to be as adorable.

If you do go with your option 1, I've been told by banks that the best way is to have a Chinese friend exchange rmb for usd at a bank for me (can't remember why but I think there are less restrictions on Chinese nationals buying usd). They would just need their shenfenzhen. Definitely will be a worse deal if you wait to get to the states to exchange, but I don't know how much you're carrying.

Yeah i sent a huge box from bangkok to Kunming. Keep in mind it often actually ends up at an international post office holding store on Beijing Road, so you'll have to look out for a pickup slip at whatever address you send to. I dont think that residence/business makes any difference but I'm not sure.

Not sure about customs either but my box made it fine after about 3 weeks, though my coworker definitely involved our office in figuring out his shipping issues, so I suggest you talk to your work sponsor about it.

Elong.net has fantastic english service, and now accepts all international visa/mastercards, even for online ticket purchases. (.net is the english version, .com is chinese)

I think the consensus is 'Shut the fuck up or go home.' Can we all stop adding to this thread now?

Yeah Tobacco Bar is probably the best place but if you don't care too much about the quality then at the bird and flower market theres plenty. It comes really packed, so prices sound expensive when you ask but they'll show you how a pinch of tobacco will fluff out to a bigger size. They also sell papers but often they're fakes and the glue is useless...