CHINA VISA FOR TOURISM FOR SRI LANKAN NATIONAL

I am a Sri Lankan national and i am planning a trip to China for tourism (about 15 days) through a travel agent in China. I am not planning to travel with a group, just myself and a friend (who is an Australian national). Can I get a "tourist visa"? I see above that Sri Lankans must travel with a GROUP? Ofcourse, I will have a return air ticket and the Travel Agent in China can give an Invitation Letter with our itinerary in China indicating Hotels we will be staying at etc. What steps should I follow to get a Visa?