Visit the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. on weekdays during office hours. The Embassy is closed on most national holidays and Chinese holidays, so check that it's open first.
Take a number in the visa office and wait for your turn to submit your application. You don't have to make an appointment for a visa, you just have to show up.
Present your completed application, photo and passport at the window. You will be given a date to pick up your visa.
Return to the visa office at the Embassy on your specified date to pick up your travel visa. Pay your visa fee at this time.
Check your visa and other documentation for any errors before you leave the office. This is your chance to fix any problems before it's too late.
Contact a travel or visa agent to apply for your Chinese travel visa if you can't travel to Washington to do it yourself. The Chinese Embassy allows a third party to apply for you without requiring a power of attorney.
Submit the required documentation to your agent, including your passport, the visa application, a passport-sized photo and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Your agent will submit these documents to the embassy on your behalf.
Pay the Consulate fee and the third-party service fee. The Consulate fee is standard and can be referenced on the Chinese Embassy website (see Resources below). Third-party service fees vary, so shop around to find a good deal.
