to apply for a tourist visa, would the consulate require my tour tickets and itenerary?

In principle, the tickets and itinerary documents are needed fo the application. Alternatively, if you know someone who is in China, you can ask him or her to issue you an invitation letter so that the itinerary documents and tickets are not required. If you don't know anyone, my suggestion is to ask your sister book the tickets and hotels online for you, then print the orders and include the printed copies in your application portfolios.