Hi I'm an Australian citizen living in Kuwait on a visiting visa.

I'm planning to travel to china for 17 days, visiting Wudang mountain, travelling to xiangfan via a transit stop through shanghai and back, therefore need to apply for a tourist type. I went to the Chinese embassey here in Kuwait and said I can't apply here only in my country. Does that mean I can apply via online or mail? I'm worried about sending my passport as I have had problems with mail in the past. Please suggest the best possible outcome for my situation, it would be greatly appreciated.