I am French in holidays in Thailand. I would like to get a 6 months or 1 year multi entry tourist visa to China but I heard about some new regulations. I heard it was difficult to get tourist visa that long now. Is that true?

Do I need to provide exact same documents as for 3 months tourist visa application?

I will be visiting an American friend, so I do not have hotel booking. Should I bring an invitation from my friend? Would be enough?

I can still book a hotel for first week if necessary, would that be better?

Thanks in advance