1. The original passport with at least six-month validity and two blank visa pages, one photocopy of the passport page containing the personal particulars.
2. Truly completed and signed Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China.
3. One recent passport-photo size color photograph.
4. Invitation letter (if visit for the first time). If the applicant cannot provide an invitation letter, please provide a visa recommendation letter from the applicant's employing company, organization, etc.
5. Proof of relationship, photocopy of the identity document and residence permit of the relative in China if any.
6. Other additional documents required according to the merits of each applicant, e.g. bank statements, round-trip air tickets booking, etc.

Dear Mr. Alvin,
I am willing to visit Shanghai on my own cost. I've no relatives over there. It is neither any business visit or seminar. Thus, I may not have any invitation letter. Neither my employer may recommend for my visit. So are these documents necessary?

Yes, you need either the invitation letter from China or a recommendation letter from your employer for your China visa application.