I am a US citizen and need a visa to go to China to give an invited lecture

I live in Germany but have a condo near Florence. I have been invited to give a lecture in PRC next October.
I have a formal invitation and emails stating I will be given round trip airfare and provided with a room while I am in Zhuhai but do not yet have my ticket or hotel reservation.
Can I get a visa at the Consulate when I am in Florence next week?
Prof. Philip D. Walson, MD