In my experience it can make a lot of difference at which consulate in which country you apply for a visa in an upcoming country on your trip.
For instance I seem to recall that it was easiest to get a visa for Iran in Trabzon, Turkey; and easiest to get a visa for Azerbaijan in Batumi, Georgia.
So I'm wondering if there is any place along my route through Southeast Asia that is easiest for getting a Chinese visa. I'll be passing through:
• Singapore • Malaysia • Thailand • Laos • Vietnam
If it makes any difference I'm not a citizen of any of these countries. I'm an Australian citizen travelling overland with as little planning as possible. I almost certainly won't be getting my Chinese visa before leaving Australia.