What you will more than likely need and steps:
1. Get a recent 2-inch, bareheaded and full-faced passport photo (from professional photo shops, or any other place that takes passport photos as part of their business. Photos that are not taken by a professional may result in your visa application being returned)
2. Fill out a visa application form (on visa services web site)
3. Follow the procedures described on the web site of the visa service of your region. The rules and protocols for sending applications to the embassy or consulate may vary greatly from country to country. Some of you will need to send your completed application, passport, and passport photos to the Chinese Embassy or one of the Chinese consulates in your country.
If you need an invitation letter to get your visa, register for the meeting and notify the Local Organizing Committee (Mrs. Feng Caiyun) that you registered and that you need a visa at csf_org@caf.ac.cn. An official invitation letter will be sent to you.
Important notes:
1.Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after date of entry, or you will not be able to enter China.
2.This visa doesn't give you access to Tibet. A special permit is required. Please plan accordingly.
3.You will need to surrender your passport for a period of time: please plan accordingly if you travel frequently.
Timing:
Obtaining a visa for entry into China is not difficult, but it is important to allow enough lead time (as much as several weeks) for processing your application. Visa requirements vary with time and place, and you should inform yourself about what is need for the country in which you live. Please check: http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/
Usually, a Chinese visa is good for 90 days from the date of issuance, you can enter China any day Within the 90 days (please note the time difference between China and the U.S.); Duration of stay of a visa is usually 30 days (It is written in the visa label), you can stay in China for 30 days from the date of your entrance.
Miscellaneous:
Travelers should not rely on Chinese host organizations claiming to be able to arrange a visa upon arrival. It seems that multiple entry visas are difficult to obtain.
Travel and lodging
