To apply for a tourist visa you have to submit an application form, one or two passport-size photographs, your passport (which must be valid for at least another six months from your planned date of entry into China) and the fee, which cannot be paid by personal cheque. You may also be asked for a copy of any air tickets and hotel bookings. You are asked on the form to give some details of your trip, such as where you are going - but you don't have to stick to this. You'll also be asked your profession - be warned that if you put writer, journalist or any publishing-related profession, you'll be called in for an interview, questioned, and your visa may be refused. Don't worry about being economical with the truth - they never check up. If you apply in person, processing should take between three and five working days, but this varies from country to country - usually, if you are willing to pay a surcharge you can get your visa the next day.

A business visa is valid for three months and can be issued for multiple entries, though you'll need an official invitation from a government-recognized Chinese organization. Twelve-month work visas again require an invitation, plus a health certificate. Students intending to study for less than six months need an invitation from a college; those staying for longer also need to fill in an extra form available from embassies, and need a health certificate.