I went to China embassy today to get travel permit for my son. It was a mess over there. I had to wait more than three hours. if your child under 12 yrs, he/she won't show up, otherwise, he/she has to show up. They did not update their website. You have to go there to pick up. And make sure you make copies for all documents they need, otherwise, you have to wait very long line to make copy.