Where and how can I obtain a Chinese tourist visa to visit the country for a few weeks?

ELena, then you need go to Chinese consulate in San Francisco to apply for a L type. You need to provide your passport, filled application form, a recent passport photo, round-trip ari tickets, hotel booking and your valid resident permit in USA. It takes four working days to deal with your application.

Thank you for the quick response. Would it matter if I don't have permanent residency in the U.S? I do however have a valid U.S. visa.
Thank you

Elena, according to the related rule, there is still a chance that you can apply successfully. But the final decision is given by the consular officers. So you can make a try and see if you are lucky to get it.

I'm not sure I understand what "lucky to get it" means in this case. So am I supposed to purchase a ticket and show hotel booking, and yet there is a chance I get denied? On what grounds exactly? Isn't there a more clealy stated rule? Like I mentioned, I legally live in the U.S.., since 11 years.

Elena, relax! As you have lived for a long time in the US, it's OK to apply for PRC entry permit from there. If everything goes well, you can finally get it. Don't worry.