The larger hotels near Green Lake have travel agencies inside. Several free-standing travel agencies are nearby as well. You don't have to do it on-line.

I usually search for the flights I want on the internet and then go someplace where I can get ticketed face to face.

QUOTE:
am i dreaming to think that i can at least fumble through daily
life without reading or speaking ANY chinese???!!!
———————————-

Yes, you are dreaming.

You can live a short time in an akward "foreigner cocoon" while you pick up speed. But if you don't intend to learn Chinese, you'd be better off going somewhere else.

That's halfway to Chengdu. Not real close to Kunming.

It's SOP — standard operating procedure. They are not ripping you off. You need to do what they told you to.

Tonyaod's description (above) of the way it really works is superb: clear and accurate.

I would be very surprised if you are able to find one. Your best bet would be to seek out a TCM doctor 中医 for Tuina. 推拿