Your signed passport must be valid and with sufficient blank visa pages for any visa stamps(Note: The last three pages on the passport are not visa pages, and can not be used for visas).  The passport's expiration date must be greater than six months from the date of entry for the visa you are applying for. If your passport does not meet the requirements, you must renew your passport or obtain a new passport.

China Tourist Visa Application Note one: You need to send your original passport to obtain the visa.
China Tourist Visa Application Note two: If Urgent or Rush service is required, all the doucments has to be delivered to us before 10:30 AM. So please overnight all your documents to us by Fedex Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Service only.
Please DO NOT use U.S. Post Office Express Mail service!!!

What is a Chinese Visa?
A Chinese visa is a stamp or endorsement placed by officials of a China on a passport that allows the bearer to visit China.  Chinese visas are obtained through a visa service from the local consulates of China.  "Visit" is further defined as the reason for entry, usually business, tourist or transitory.  There are over 270 countries that offer visas and literally thousands of different types of visas available based upon country, type of visit, and length of visit.

Do I need a Chinese visa?
If you are traveling to mainland China, whether for business or tourism, you require a Chinese visa to be obtained from a consulate in advance of your trip. You are exempt from this requirement if you travel and stay only in Hong Kong or Macao for less than 30 days.

What is the difference between a Chinese tourist and business visa?
Chinese visas are issued according to the purpose of the trip; either tourism or business activities. In general, "tourist" visas are issued specifically for the purpose of travel for pleasure, while a "business" visa generally permits a traveler to engage in normal business-related activities (sales meetings, visiting a factory, negotiating agreements, etc.)