Your friend can apply for a tourist visa to China. The requirements are as follows:
1. an application form for China.
2. his passport valid for at least six months with at least 2 blank visa pages and one passport photocopy.
3. One recent passport size photograph.
4. Covering letter from applicant's company or employer addressed to the visa office.
5. Photocopy of a confirmed return air ticket.
6. Applicants may be requested to supply proof of travel expenses.
7. Visiting relatives should have invitation from their relatives in China and photocopies of their relatives' Residence Permits in China.
Applicants can not be get visa as they wish. Visa officers have right to decide whether issue you a visa or not, and visa types without explainations.