This is an interesting development. It appears that the Chinese government has mysteriously stopped issuing multiple-entry visas. The new rule has hit those traveling to and from Hong Kong especially hard because businessmen travel back and forth all the time. Based on this Time Magazine article, Beijing’s security concerns over the Olympics are probably behind the new measures.
Applicants are being forced to proffer both return tickets and hotel vouchers, a new requirement that makes planning for contingencies or traveling on the fly virtually impossible. Hong Kong’s many foreign Chambers of Commerce have lodged complaints with the Chinese Foreign Ministry office in the city, but no clear explanation has yet to be given for the restrictions, or any word on how long they might last.
When I went to China, I entered mainland through Kong Kong and it was a piece of cake. No hassle whatsoever. It’s a shame they are making it harder.