China Tourist VISA in St. Petersburg

Hello, I have hotel bookings and transport in and out of the country booked (train in, ferry out).

Sadly I have been turned down in Estonia because I do not have an Estonian resident permit. I will try Finland tomorrow but fear the same might happen.

Do you need to have a Russian residence permit in order to apply in St. Petersburg? This information seems to suggest not. I also heard that you need a blood test to get one here - is this true?

Thanks for any help, Peter :)