Is it worth it?
How much more is it than economy when bought on the ground in China from a local ta?
What's the service like in 1st, any perks?

Aloha!

Which airlines are you referring to? Makes a big difference. We were in China about 6 years ago touring and had to use some of their local airlines to get from place to place. They were unbelievable!! old junkers with holes in the floor. But I am sure that this is not the case with some national carriers. Don't know about price differential.

clarasong,

China Air, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan, etc.

Which airlines had the holes in the floor.....want to make sure it's not on my list

All Chinese airlines use very modern planes on the vast majority of the routes. You'll not see anything older than Northwest's DC-9, or Aloha's 737-200. I can guarantee you that.

Domestic first class is 50% more than full fare economy.