I want to visit china as a tourist with my friends. we are all Pakistani citizens.

Hi Sir,
I want to visit china as a tourist with my friends. we are all Pakistani citizens. As far I have searched the embassy of China in Pakistan doesn't accept individual tourist visa application. They say that there should be a tourist group of more than 5 people if you want to visit china as a tourist for this group we have to contact the local travel agent. So now I want to say that I with my friends are 5 and want to visit china as a tourist. So can I lodge my application directly to the embassy of china in Pakistan. Because we are a tourist group of 5 people.
I don't want to have a visa from local travel agents. because they take much money for a single visa. And as far as I know the Chinese tourist visa fees is exempted for Pakistani national.