Tourist visa application returned

My son has had his application returned. On the accompanying sheet the officer has circled 'round flight details and hotel reservation for every single night' . Within his paperwork he had printed details of his flight. Had listed an itinerary of his stay in China and given details of the hotel he is planning to stay at. He is meeting a friend out there who is currently on a tour and they will be meeting in Thailand first for 10 days and then visiting China for 10 days before heading home. Does he need to include proof of his reservation or is it enough just to state the details of the hotel. Also does he need include his flight s from U.K. To Thailand ( which includes a 3 hour layover in China) please help he is leaving for Thailand on 9th march. Thanks