I can't fill out the application form due to not having simplified chinese language package. When I go to download the missing package it crashes every time. Can I just print it off and fill in the form by hand??

I'll be travelling to China as a tourist from January 25th to February 22nd. When should I apply for the visa?
Also I understand a visa usually takes 4 days to process.....when it is issued can it be posted out or does it need to be picked up in person?