US Citizen in Salzburg

Hello, I am an American who will be living near Salzburg for a year with a work Z starting August 25. I am planning to visit my girlfriend living in China (with a work z) in December and understand I will need a tourist l for China. It sounds like I should be able to get one in Vienna, but am I required to go in person? Are there services in Salzburg that will take my documents as a proxy?
Thank you!