Your passport is the first hurdle. Consulates require validity of at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date, plus 2 consecutive blank visa pages (not stamp pages). If yours is expiring soon, renew before applying — an old passport invites instant return or extra requests, wasting time and fees.

The photo is the most common mistake. Most consulates want a recent (within 6 months) white-background color photo, 33×48mm, head width 21-24mm and height 28-33mm. No glasses (unframed ones may be accepted but glare causes rejection), no visible teeth, no shadows. Bring 2-3 extra; some consulates ask you to write your name and passport number on the back.

The itinerary should be day-specific: city, hotel name and address, and main activities per day. Consulates judge whether it is realistic — for a Beijing-to-Shanghai hop, attach matching flight or train bookings. Book refundable flights and hotels for the application, then finalize after approval.

For finances, 3-6 months of bank statements are typical, with a balance covering your trip (a common benchmark is ¥300-500 per person per day). Employees add an employment letter and leave approval; students add enrollment proof; retirees add pension statements. Clear, complete documents mean faster processing.

China tourist visa materials explained: passport, photo and itinerary are the three cores. This article goes item by item to avoid big losses from small errors.

Passport: valid 6+ months, at least 2 blank visa pages, no damage or stains on cover or data page. Expiring soon? Renew first.

Photo: 48x33 mm, white background, within 6 months, head about two-thirds. No hats or sunglasses, natural expression, no retouching.

Itinerary: the most underestimated material. Be specific: arrival date, departure date, cities, hotels, transport connections.

The itinerary must match flight and hotel bookings: same dates, same cities. Contradictions cause refusals.

Flight bookings: print the booking after reserving. Prefer refundable tickets; do not pay until required (requirements vary).

Hotel bookings: cover every night, with the guest name matching the passport.

Funds: 3-6 months of bank statements; balance should cover all trip costs with margin; clear income sources.

Work proof: printed on company letterhead with position, salary, leave dates, stamp and contact person.

Retirees: pension certificate and pension statements. Students: enrolment proof and parental support letter. Freelancers: explain income sources with asset proof.

Bonus materials: property deeds, car registration, past travel records, travel insurance. Richer materials mean steadier approval.

After submission: watch phone and email; supplementary documents or interviews may be requested; respond promptly.

Summary: more is not better - "truthful, complete, consistent" is. Nail the three cores and most of your L visa is done.