Visa for Finnish citizens

You should fill in Visa Application Form V.2011A and V.2011B, you need the following documents:
1. your Finnish passport
2. Visa Application Form V.2011A and V.2011B
3. one rencent passport size photo
4. the flight tickets
5. hotel booking
6. if you will travel to Tibet, a Tibet Entry Permit is required. you'd better find a travel agency to help you apply for a Chinese tourist visa if you will go though Tibet. It takes 1 week for the processing.

If i am not staying at a hotel, but visiting friends in shanghai, do i need a letter of invitation? If so, what should the letter state?

Best,
Masrcus

Yes, you need to provide the invitation letter if you can't provide the hotel booking. It should indicate the invitee's passport no, name, birth certificate, the purpose of invitation, the stay duration, entry date, departure date, the inviter's passport no., name and the place of residence. The copy of your friend's passport and his residence permit are also required.

It is advisable for you to book the hotel for the first entry date, then the problem will be avoided.