How to apply for a Chinese visa and plane ticket to meet friends in Beijing?

You can go to the Chinese embassy or consulate in the consular jurisdiction where you reside, bring with you the valid entry record, or the residence permit in Japan and its copy. Other documents like your original passport, one passport-sized photo, an application form. If you put in the application form that you are going to visit your friend, you need an invitation letter from him. In addition, you may required to provide hotel reservation from China and return ticket when visa officer deems necessary.