1.Can I provide the embassy or consulate with a photocopy of my passport?
Never. Your must provide your actual passport.

2.Is an appointment required for a visa application? Can I entrust someone else to apply for me?
No appointment is required. You may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to come to the visa office for application process, but mail applications are not acceptable.
3.My child is traveling to China with me. He cannot sign on his application; can I sign it on his/her behalf?
Yes.
4.Do I have to see a doctor to have the “Physical examination record for foreigner" filled out?
This form is strictly for those who will study in China over 1 year. If you are to stay in China less than one year, you don't have to see a doctor to fill it out.

5.I am going to Guangdong, then to Hongkong and back to Guangdong for one night. Does it mean that I must have a double-entry visa?
Absolutely. Double-entry visa means you can enter into mainland of China twice. Since you are going to Guangdong in the mainland of China twice, you must have a double-entry visa. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (See information about Hong Kong visa).
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates take authentication applications sent by mail, but do not take visa applications sent by mail.

6.Who needs a Visa to China?
All Non-China citizens who wants to go to China。
You do not need a China Visa if you are A US Permanent Resident (Green Card)  AND have a valid China Passport。

7.How long a China Visa will be Valid?
Visa validity starts from the date visa issued, to the date actually entering China. Duration starts from the actual date entering China.
Visa Validity can be 3 month (one entry and two entries); 6 month multi entries, and 12 month multi entries.
Duration can be 30 day, 45 days, up to 180 days, depending on the necessity you specified in the visa application form.
Generally speaking, regular tourist visa will be generously granted for 3 month validity and 30 day duration.  Other validity and longer duration may be granted with certain appropriate supporting document.
 It is advised to avoid the last day entry.

8.Who process Visa-To-China for a NON-US passport?
The China Embassy and Consulate(s) in the US can grant visa to China for any passport of any county. However, they process applications with a Non-US-Passport only if you meet both the following two items:
* You are currently living in the US, and use an US mailing address, phone number and an email accessible while you are in the US;
* We will process your visa application as we do for an US application.  And, as an US application may be rejected as well, we only refund the visa application fee, but not service fee, or postage.

 9.What is the best time to apply for a Visa to China？
Whatever best fit your travel plan, but NOT longer than 3 months prior to your travel date。
We noticed that there is a seasonal variation in visa application volume, which may some how affect the processing timing; but the volume / season, plays no role in approval decision. 
 We recommend you to start the visa application process about 4-8 weeks prior to your travel date.
      
10.What supporting documents are needed when apply for a Visa to China？
 See the website by China Embassy for official requirements. 

11.I heard that there are many different visas.  Which should I apply？
 Yes, there are many types of visas you may apply, in terms of number of Entries, Validity and Duration, classified by letter C, D, F, G, J-1, J-2, X, Z, etc.  Also there may be different treatments on young children and citizens from other countries. 
You are advised to read and completely understand the guidelines from official website by China Embassy.  All information in our site is for reference only and overwritten automatically by the official version in China Embassy's website.
However, there are some hints that may help you simplify the selection process: Do NOT need to study all these classifications, but be clear for yourself about the reasons to go to China, and how long you need to stay.  In other words, just fill-in the Visa Application (Form-2) truthfully - the Visa Officer will review in detail and decide what type of visa for you.
In terms of number of Entries, Validity, Duration, and Visa Fees, we briefly summarize them as following:
One Entry, 3 month valid, Fee $50；Good for short term tourist, meetings, business trips, and those apply for Visa-To-China for the first time；
Two Entries, 3 month valid (or may be 6 month valid if justified), Fee $75；Good for short term tourist, meetings, business trips, If you were granted Visa-To-china before；
Multi- Entries, 6 month valid, Fee $100；Good if you need frequently travel to China for business reasons and have supporting documents to justify;
Multi- Entries，12 month valid, Fee $150；Good if you need frequently travel to China for business reasons

12.I want to try a longer/higher visa, but can not be sure.  How to determine Visa Fee？
It's your decision and luck to try.
You may decide what type of visa to apply, and pay visa fee accordingly.  In the event you applied and paid for a longer term but get granted a shorter one, we will refund the fee surplus you have paid, less $5 for special handling.

13.Why need to pay by Money Order or Cashiers checks? 
China Embassy (Consulate) accept Money Order / Cashier's Checks only。
Since you need to prepare a Money Order/Cashiers' Check any way, you may add all fees all together, to avoid extra efforts.
A Cashier's check normally cost about $3.00.  You may get a money order at a US postal office, or many other convenience stores.

14.What's the type of my visa?     
Please look at your current visa and check the Capital Letter on the top:
Visa D - For permanent residence in China.
Visa Z - For those who come to work in China and their accompanying family members.
Visa X - For students who want to study in China, or practice as interns for more than 6 months.
Visa F - For those who visit, teach, do business, or come to China for cultural, scientific and technological exchanges for less than 6 months.
Visa L - For those who travel, visit friends and relatives or deal with some private matters.
Visa G - For those who stop over in China.
Visa C - For crews of airplanes, trains and ships who are on regular visits to China. Their accompanying family members are issued with the same type of visa.
Visa J-1 - For foreign journalists who reside in China
Visa J-2 - For foreign journalists who come to China to gather news.