I need some information. We are a group of 5 people planning tour of China in mid April. Can you please clarify below?
1. Is there a minimum number of people required to obtain visit/tourist visa?
2. How long in advance should we apply for visa?
3. At present, we have 5 people in our group, but two of them MAY have to undertake business trip around the same time. We are not sure as yet. Therefore, we all (5 ppl) want to apply for visa and be ready in case they don't have to go on business tour. My questions is in case we apply and obtain 5 visas and two passengers don't travel due to unavoidable situation, can balance 3 passengers visit on the same tourist visa already obtainted? Or do we have to change or find another 2 people?
4. If only 3 paasengers travel on original visa issued for 5ppl, will we have problem at immgration because other two passengers did not travel? Will immgration allow us entry?
5. How long does it take for embassy to issue visa?

Please let me know.
Appreciate your reply.
Thanks