Determine the type of visa you need. China issues several types of visas; most people will want a tourist visa, though visas are available for businessmen, students, journalists and people going to work there. The application is the same for all types.
Download an application form from the consulate's website and print it out. Fill it out, making sure to fill in all the blanks; put NA if the question does not apply to you. Make sure you have the required documentation (some visas require a letter of invitation), and attach a passport-style photo to the upper corner.
Take the completed application, your passport and a check for visa fees to the visa office which is located at 520 12th Avenue, at the corner of 42nd Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan. The visa fee was $140 as of May 2011, but it can change at any time. The consulate does not accept applications by mail; if you cannot hand-deliver the application yourself, you can pay a visa service agency to do this for you. Visa service agencies, such as SamedayPassport.com and ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Service, accept applications by mail.
Return to the consulate to pick up your passport. When you submit your application, you will be told when your passport and visa will be ready. Unless you request rush service, this will generally be a week after you submit your paperwork.
