Visa Requirements for British passport holder with C permit living in Bernese Oberland Switzerland

My Husband and I plan to visit PRC from the 5th November to 5th December 2013
I have a few questions to ask, please.
1. Can we apply to the Chinese Embassy in Bern and what paper work do we need to bring with us?
2. We have booked our flights but not hotel. Do we need to show proof of hotel bookings for the whole period of our stay, or just the booking of the hotel in Beijing when we arrive?
3. Do we need to make an appointment?
4. If we leave at the beginning of November when would be best to apply?