[KarenInCa]

I think SpecialK is correct. You have to each be 30 yrs old before applying for adoption. I haven't heard differently. Of the people you were speaking with, had any of them actually done the applications before they turned 30, or were they simply suggesting that it might be a possibility?
I definitely would start the process before turning 30, to get all the papers ready. But you also want to be careful with doing that too, because some of the papers will be time sensitive, and might state your current age on them, which could confuse the people receiving the documents in China, later. It's important to find and work with a trusted adoption agency right now to find out exactly what you can do prior to turning 30, and do only that.