What is required to obtain a visa to China? Do we bring our US Passport and photos?

If you apply for a tourist visa to China, you just need to bring the below documents:
1. your passport
2. one passport photo
3. completed visa application form V.2011A, if you are not U.S. citizen and want to get a tourist visa in U.S., you also need to fill visa application form V.2011B.
4. round-trip flight tickets (if available).
5. if you are not U.S.citizen, the valid document to prove your legal status in U.S. is required, such as visa, Work Permit, I-20 Form, US Green Card.