An American living in INDIA and applying for 12 month visiter VIAS

The requirements for a China tourist visa include: applicant's passport and photocopy of its data page; one recent passport photo; visa application form V2011A; proof of sufficient finances to cover all expenditures in China when required; return ticket; covering letter from applicant's company or office; if you hold american passport, you need to provide the original and a copy of your permanent Indian residence or work permit which should be valid for at least half a year (except for those who are visa or permit exempt for residing or working in India).
If you live in Maharashtra State or Karnataka State, you should go to CVASC in Mumbai to obtain the visa. Add: 4/18, Tulsiani Chambers, Free Press Journal Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai
If you live in State of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa or West Bengal, you need to go to china consulate in Kolkata for visa application. Add: EC-72, Sector I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700064
If you live in other places other than the above mentioned ones, you need to go to New Delhi CVASC. Add: 1st Floor, Commercial Tower, Le Meridian Hotel, Raisina Road, New Delhi
It usually takes 4 working days to process a visa.