Why are Chinese visas for Americans so expensive?

The cost of a Chinese visa for Americans varies based on the type of visa and the length of stay. Some Chinese visa types, such as the tourist visa, are relatively inexpensive, while others, such as the business visa, can be more costly. The cost of a Chinese visa also varies depending on the embassy or consulate where the visa is applied for. In general, the cost of a Chinese visa for Americans is comparable to the cost of a U.S. visa for Chinese citizens.