Hello. Does anyone know how I can receive Chinese TV channels
(specifically Xing Kong, Phoenix TV, TVB, and the like) from the bay
area, California? Satellite or cable OK. Thanks in advance.

Dear Kylen, 

Of the ones you've mentioned, Pheonix is available as a news channel
in your area, both with DirectTV and Echostar (the Dish Network) .
Star TV - What's available in the US
<http://www.startv.com/usa.html;jsessionid=777EC72EAB0F4332D42CE8BB544D9CED> 

Pheonix
<http://www.phoenixtv.com.cn/>

Xing Xong is part of StarTV, but it doesn't seem to be available in the US at all. 

The DISH Network offers several other chinese channels in its "Chinese" Package:

International Package - Chinese
<http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/international/packages/indexpackage.asp?languageType=Chinese>

DirectTV offers two different packages - Mandarin and Cantonese: 
Mandarin Direct - Four Channels of Premium Mandarin Entertainment 
<http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=1200045> 

Jade Channel - 4 more
<http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=1200044>
(5, but one's for the East Coast)

I hope this answers your question. Please contact me if you need any
clarification on this answer before you rate it.

Thanks!