British passport holder living in Zurich, Switzerland applying for a single entry PRC visa

Hi, I will be visiting Shanghai from Zurich in September as a tourist. Can anybody help me with the following:

1. Do I simply hand in my application for a "Type L" tourist visa (along with the supporting documents) to the Chinese Consulate here in Zurich during regular opening times (without any prior appointment)?

2. Do I then go back to the Chinese Consulate about 5 working days later to pick up my passport etc. (again without any prior appointment)?

3. How do I pay for the visa? Can I pay in cash? Or do I need to pay in advance by bank transfer?

4. What is the period of validity of a single entry visa (just so I know when best to make my application)?

Many thanks.