Upvote:2
After you get your passport in San Francisco, head over to the Chinese consulate in the morning to apply for you visa and hope they're willing--one day service is discretionary. Your window is very tight, don't be surprised if you can't make it.
Upvote:5
Well It depends where you will be entering China. If you will pass by Hong Kong or Macau before entering mainland, getting a visa there would be the best option.
It took me about an hour the last time i got one issued at the Macau border(through CTS agency - https://www.ctshk.com/english/useful/chinesevisa.htm, which you can find in HK as well). You 'll need some proof of accommodation as well as a proof of exit(flight out for example) and that is it.
If your flight is already set for elsewhere in China, then you should apply in San Francisco, through the local consulate. http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/lszj/t42285.htm