• Traveling to China is not difficult, but it does take a little planning ahead. While some countries only require visiting tourists to have a passport, China requires you also obtain a visa. Obtaining this visa requires you to visit a Chinese embassy or consulate, though you can also send an agent instead.
  
  

Obtain a U.S. Passport.

• To travel to China, you must first obtain a United States Passport. If you don't already have a passport, you can obtain an application at a U.S. Post Office or visit the U.S. Department of State website. You'll need a properly filled out form DS-11 "Application for a U.S. Passport," two forms of evidence of your U.S. citizenship, your Social Security number, photo identification, two passport photos and the fee for processing your application.
  
  

Hong Kong or Mainland China?

• Once you have a passport, you will then need to determine if you need a Chinese L-Visa. If you are traveling to Hong Kong for 90 days or fewer, you do not need to apply for one. But if you plan to enter Hong Kong, then traveling to mainland China, you will need to obtain a visa before you leave the United States.
  
  

Visit the Chinese Embassy

• To obtain a tourist visa to enter mainland China, you will need to apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate office and fill out an application form. You must do this in person or hire a third-party agent to apply in your place. You cannot mail in your application.
  
  

What You Need

• When you apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (L-Visa), you will need to provide a valid passport with at least six months' remaining validity, a completed application form, a copy of your passport's information page, a 2-inch by 2-inch passport photo, and the $130 application fee as of December 2009. If you are formerly a Chinese citizen, you will also need to submit a copy of your old Chinese passport.