How to apply for a regular visitors visa to the PRC

Joan, you need to prepare all required documents for L type and then submit your application to the embassy directly. The basic requirements are passport with a validity of at least six months and two blank pages, application form and a recent six months passport photo. The additional documents are round-trip air tickets, hotel reservation and your travel itinerary (if necessary). Sometimes, the embassy may require financial proof, recent six months bank statement, for example.

If you plan to shop, you may find a Chinese seller in advance and ask him to help you acquire a M type.