visa application wihout original passport

I'm a 65 year old US citizen but I was born in China. I came to the US when I was 7 years old. I don't have the passport when I entered the US or the Chinese birth certificate. (I was born in a village.)
I was told that I need at least one of the above documents in order to apply. Is there any exceptions? I would definitely want to visit my homeland. Thanks.
Jim