Get HK ID and China ID for HK born?

[pug_ster]

Well, I'm HK born but have a US passport and haven't been back for 20+ years when I was 7. Recently, went back to my wife and realized that how great Hong Kong is.

I didn't apply for a HK ID yet, and applying chinese visa is long, painful, and costly. There's a Chinese Embassy in here in NYC and I am planning to apply for a HK ID. I was wondering if I can apply for a China ID too so I can save the expense of the arduous of getting a chinese visa when I visit China. Thanks.

[PDLM]

If by "China ID" you mean a "home return permit" (the thing that allows vsa-free access to China) then I think you would need to get you HKID first, and if that is granted with "***" (which, approximately, means that you are a Chinese Citizen) then you can get the permit.

Alternatively, you can get multi-entry visas in Hong Kong very easily and quickly (although still a bit expensive for UK passport holders).

[PDLM]

oops - I meant "US Passport Holders" in the above, obviously (though UK isn't cheap either).

[pug_ster]

That's what my wife tells me to do, apply for the HK id first then the "home return permit." In any case, thanks, at least I know what it is called.

[pug_ster]

Went to the Chinese Embassy the other day and I can't just apply apply for the HK ID alone and I am required to apply for the HK passport also. I am required to have 5 passport photos, $62 US money order from a bank, and $30 in post payment fees. Oh well...