Visit the Chinese Embassy website. Click the "Visa,Passport, Notarization & Authentication" link under the Consular Affairs heading in the left column.
Click the "Visa to China" link under the Requirements & Procedures area. Browse the webpage for information on visa types, processing time and fees. Click the "Tourist Visa (L Visa)" link.
Click the "Visa Application Form" link. Download and print the first form, "Visa Application Form (Q1)" if you are applying as a tourist. Type in your information using all capital letters. Print the form from your computer.
Glue or staple one recently taken 2-inch-by-2-inch color photo in the appropriate space on the application form.
Make a copy of the information page - the one containing your photo - in your U.S. Passport. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
Click the link, "Embassy or Consulate-General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside." Click on the state where you reside to identify where you must submit your application. If you cannot submit it in person, apply for your visa using a third-party travel agent, such as VisaHQ. The agency can drop off your application at the appropriate visa office for you.
Pay the appropriate fees with your application using a Visa, MasterCard, money order, cashier's check or company check. Cash or personal checks are not accepted.
Make a company check, cashier's check or money order payable to Chinese Embassy.
Pick up your visa -- or have your travel agency pick it up -- on or after the pick-up date specified in your receipt. Normal processing time as of December 2010 is four working days.
