A Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to an alien for entry into, exit from or transit through China. The Chinese visa authorities may issue a Diplomatic, Courtesy, Service or Ordinary Visa to an alien according to his status, purpose of visit to China or passport type. The Ordinary Visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters C, D, F, G, J-1, J-2, L, X and Z.
C Visa (Crewmember Visa): Issued to crewmembers to perform duties on board an international train, airliner or other vessel, and their accompanying family members.
D Visa (Residence Visa): Issued to an alien who comes to reside permanently in China.
F Visa (Business Visa): Issued to an alien who is invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do businesses, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months. Single-entry, double-entry, multiple-entry business visa are available. The duration of (each) stay is 30-90 days. Two years multiple entry business visas are now also available for qualified applicants.
G Visa (Transit Visa): Issued to an alien who transits through China.
J Visa :( Journalist Visa)
J-1 Visa: Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China.
J-2 Visa: Issued to foreign correspondents that make short trips to China on reporting tasks.
L Visa (Travel Visa): Issued to foreigners who enter China temporarily for touring, family visiting or other personal affairs. Single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry is all available for tourists. The duration of (each) stay is 30-90 days. Two years multiple entry tourist visas are now available for applicants who were born in China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
X Visa: (Student Visa): Issued to an alien who comes to China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period for a period of six months or above. Usually student visa is issued for single entry. The duration of stay varies. Multiple-entry is possible for 1 year study.
Z Visa (Employment/Work (Z) Visa): Issued to an alien who comes to China for a post or employment, and his or her accompanying family members. Only single entry work visa is available. Multiple-entry is not granted for work visa. The duration of stay varies.

Validity of Visa: A single entry Chinese visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, and a double entry visa is valid for 6 months. A China visa holder must enter China before the expiration date for the visa to remain valid.

Duration of Stay: The duration of stay is specified on a Chinese visa. Chinese visa holders must not stay beyond the specified date without extending their visas. Otherwise, they will be subject to stiff penalties.

Overseas Chinese Visa Authorities: Foreign citizens can obtain a China visa from Chinese embassies, consulates, visa offices, and the consular department of the office of Chinese Foreign Ministry. For further information, please consult the nearest China visa authorities in your country.