Tourist Visa Questions

I will be visiting Hong Kong in 3 weeks and making weekend trips to Shanghai and Beijing.


I'm filling out my visa app and I really don't want them to turn me down, so I have some questions:


1. Occupation:

I'm afraid if I put web editor, they'll think "journalist"

and the same thing if I put writer.

If I put nanny, then who do I put down for my employer? Also, I get paid in cash for that

If I put down "Unemployed", will they be concerned that I am trying to go to China for a job?"

If I put down "Freelancer" will they ask for more?

I graduated in May and I don't want the people at the Consulate to think I'm trying to sneak into China for a job.


2. They want to know where I am staying in China (mainland, not in HK). Since I don't know yet, should I just leave it blank and, when they ask, tell them I haven't made hotel arrangements yet? I just don't want them to think I'm going to become a drifter.


I am very concerned about being turned down!


Thanks for your help!

Do they check your employment or take your word for it?


Also, am going in 3 weeks and will probably not make hotel reservations until after Visa. Should I just look up hotels in Shanghai/Beijing and write something down?

Sorry for all the questions, but on the visa that's stamped in, will it say the name of the hotel i've written down? also, do they tend to really grill you at the visa office? concerned about being turned down. i have had a couple pieces published online/in magazines (none about china particularly, but some about censorship. thanks

Friend who is a dictionary editor put down "editor" and got grilled about what kind of work he did... so yes, IT is better.

Success! Got the visa on Wednesday. They asked what I was studying in school, I said art thinking that was safe. Then they asked what kind and I said digital illustration, figuring that was again the safest option.