You should prepare the following documents before visa application:
1. Properly and truthfully filled out Visa Application Form, to which one passport-size photo is attached,
2. Valid passport with blank pages and a photocopy of the data page
3. Round trip air-ticket, traveler check, original invitation from your firend, the copy of your friend's passport and his Chinese visa or residence permit

Please submit the above documents to consular office in person or entrust someone else to submit the visa application, the fee for single entry tourist visa is US$ 40