need a tourist or transit visa.

I am a Filipino seaman currently sailing onboard a container vessel with port call to China. As part of my company benefit, I am allowed to carry my family with me onboard said vessel. I intend to embark my family sometime in December in China, then sail on our ship for several Asian ports.
I would like to know then if my family is required to apply for a chinese tourist visa or transit visa and how much it would cost?