do i need invitation letter to travel to china as a tourist from south africa

You need to provide: a copy of the round-trip air tickets and hotel reservation, proof of adequate money that cover your stay (around 100 rands per day), the latest three months bank statement, traveler's cheque or a letter from the bank to confirm you that you have adequate available savings.

All first time travelers have to provide an invitation letter from a Chinese organization, corp, company or individual. If the invitor is a travel agency, a detailed travel itinerary for your China trip has to be enclosed.