Are you in Malaysian now? Do you have Singapore passport? if so, you do not need a visa to visit China for up to 15 days for sightseeing, doing business, visiting relatives and friends or transit.
But if you want to stay longer, you can go to the CVASC straightly, but you need to get an appointment online first.

Dear Mr Ethan,
In rgds to yr 1st question, I am a Malaysian, with Malaysian passport (Singapore PR) and I do not have a Singapore Passport. I've tried to make an appt online yet it is not avail for the month of August. Should I retry making an appt a later date?

You can go to the Center directly since the application via a booked appointment is one of the convenient services offered by the Centre. However, it is not mandatory. The Centre also accepts walk-in applicants during office hours. Time for visa application: 9:00-15:00 (Monday - Friday)