I just glanced a notice on the official website of the China Embassy in Washington DC, USA. Hereunder share it with you:
As of November 1st, 2009, the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC will no longer accept cash payment for all document service. For Chinese visa, Chinese passport, authentication and notarization service, the embassy will only accept Master Card, Visa Card and Money Order, Cashier's Check or Official Check (excluding personal check) payable to Chinese Embassy. For mail application and mailback service, the embassy will only accept Money Order or Cashier's Check payable to Chinese Embassy.