Lenght of processing

We are travelling through several cities in China in April 2019 (from Hong Kong) but we will need to have our passports back by end November for other travels. If we have an appointment mid September, will it all be processed and passport received on time? Also, do we need to submit the forms online or do we bring them with us printed to the Visa centre? And do we must provide photocopies of the original flights and hotel bookings with the application? Thanks