only in high end tourist areas but very very few. they will have a sign on the register. but i believe less and less now because china is a counterfeiters paradise

Your comment about credit cards not being widely accepted.... Of course this advice does not count if you are talking about trying to use it at a little noodle shop or with a street vendor. But if you are at a decent sized place and you trust them with your card, you can normally get your card to work. 90% of the time when they see it is not a Chinese credit card, they will instantly say no. Just play the stupid laowai game and don't accept no as an answer (really works if you pretend to not speak Chinese). It can become a little game; they say no and hand pack your card, you take it reach in your pocket/wallet and hand them the same card again. A little back and forth like this with a smile on your face and they will eventually give up and try your card... and Surprise.... it works. Also helps if you are physically at the desk you pay at and not just sitting at the dinner table. That way they can just walk off and "pretend" to try your card (plus helps keep you card in sight).

i suggest you should apply for a chinese credit card in bank, like China Merchants Bank(招商银行). that could be easy, and make you travel more convenient.

You can, but it's a pain in the ass...