Regarding student visa

Dear sir/madam,

I would like to apply for student visa of China.

What are the documents i have to apply with the passport?
& how long does it take to get the visa?
& also i would like to confirm if its possible to get the visa without the person him/herself present there? I was going to send my documents through a sister of mine, but a friend who recently took visa said its not possible unless the person is present with the documents. So i need to confirm it before i send the documents.

Waiting for a quick reply.

Thank you.