Is a booked return ticket required for my visa application??

Im an Australian citizen travelling with a child visiting friends in china,i read it on the chinese embassy's website that for a tourist visa u need a booked return ticket,im so afraid to book a ticket in case i do and my visa app gets declined its a waste of money,i have been in china before tho and am familiar with the country.Do i need to fill in a diffferent form for the child,please i need help asap.
Thank You