Wanting to backpack around for 30 days

Hi,

My husband and I would like to enter china in November and stay for 30 days. We like to travel without bookings as we enjoying finding things once we arrive. However, due to tight visa requirements I don't know if this is possible? We will enter china via plane and exit via the Trans-Mongolian rail which we plan to buy in Beijing. To get an entry permit do we absolutely have to provide hotel bookings??? is there a way around this? We also do not know anyone in China ( we know a few people from Hong Kong) so how do we get around the invitation letter?

Cheers.