Americans-gotten a Chinese visa through agent here recently?

Yes, however you can get it in HK airport, it takes 5-6 hrs.

Read here for further info:

http://forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.php?t=13027&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=visa+hong+kong&&start=0

Or here:

[url]Visiting China from Taiwan - #13 by GooseEgg