I wish to visit China, starting off from Shenzhen. Until reading postings on

here I had hoped to stay in Shenzhen until feeling inclined to decide upon the next place to move onto. I don't have an invitation, nor with my hope of remaining flexible would I have more than my first hotel booking. Am I likely to get a visa under these circumstances without flight booking details. I can't help feeling that it would be foolish to book flights without first having a L type.