questions about going to china next week?

[kiddcheckers]

So I decided somewhat last minute that I'd like to go visit a friend in Bejing. *s/p I'm sure*

Now I'm trying to figure out the visa thing. I'm in San Diego, do I get the visa before the ticket or the ticket before the visa?

I'd like to leave asap where's the fastest cheapest/best place to get this all done very quickly.

Anybody know good last minute deal airlines to China? Tickets I've found so far have been reasonable but it's always good to save a few more bucks.

Is online poker playable in china? Do I need to do that http portal thing?


Thanks to any and all help.