VisaHero is an authorized agency to expedite your U.S. Passport and Travel Visas
A common misconception is that people believe they have to apply for their visa request in-person for an interview. In fact, visa requests for China can be submitted through a friend or family member. Important to note that Chinese visa consular does not offer mailing service. Your passport must be picked up from the consular office, days later. We recommend using a trusted visa agency, such as VisaHero, for we have extensive experience and knowledge about Chinese visa requirements, avoiding delays and costly mistakes.
In the United States, China has (1) one Embassy and (4) four consulates general in the United States, responsible for consular affairs in their respective jurisdictions. You must apply for China visa according to the State where you reside. Click here to find the appropriate Chinese visa office which will process your visa request.
*Some nationalities are exempt from requiring a Chinese visa, depending on the purpose of their travel. Click here.
Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel.
- Tourist (L) visa: going to China as a tourist.
- Business (M) visa: going to China for business.
- Family Visit (Q1-Q2) visa: visiting a family member in China who is either a Chinese citizen or holds Chinese permanent residency.
- Family Visit (S1-S2) visa: visiting a family member in China who is currently working or studying.
- Student (X1-X2) visa: those studying in China who have received an Admission Letter by a school or other entities in China.
- Employment or Work (Z) visa: those who have obtained employment in China.
- Crew (C) visa: crew members working on international flights, trains, and ships.
The Chinese visa will be stamped onto one of the available visa pages inside your passport. It is important to ensure that your passport has more than one year of validity and at least one available visa page.
As of January 2024, here are the current Chinese visa options available:
| VISA TYPE | VISA VALIDITY | DURATION OF STAY | CONSULAR FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (L) | Up to 10 years | Up to 90 days | $140 (standard) | $165 (rush) |
| Business (M) | Up to 10 years | Up to 90 days | $140 (standard) | $165 (rush) |
| Family Visit (Q1-Q2) | Up to 10 years | Up to 180 days | $140 (standard) | $165 (rush) |
| Family Visit (S1-S2) | Up to 10 years | Up to 180 days | $140 (standard) | $165 (rush) |
| Student (X1-X2) | Up to 6 months | Decided by immigration upon arrival | $140 (standard) | $165 (rush) |
| Work (Z) | 3 months | Decided by immigration upon arrival | $140 (standard) | $165 (rush) |
| Crew (C) | Up to 10 years | 30 days | $140 (standard) | $165 (rush) |
About China
China has one of the world's oldest civilizations, with a recorded history dating back over 5,000 years. It has been ruled by various dynasties and empires, each leaving its mark on the country's culture, art, and governance.
China is governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC) under a one-party system. The country's political system is characterized by centralized control and a strong emphasis on social stability and economic development.
China plays a significant role in global affairs, with growing influence in international politics, economics, and culture. It is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a member of various international organizations.
Chinese Culture
Chinese culture is incredibly diverse, with different regions having their own traditions, languages, and cuisines. Key aspects of Chinese culture include Confucianism, Taoism, traditional Chinese medicine, calligraphy, martial arts, and Chinese cuisine. With over 1.4 billion people, China is the most populous country in the world. Its population is diverse, comprising various ethnic groups, with the Han Chinese being the largest ethnic group.
Chinese Economy
China is the world's second-largest economy by nominal GDP and the largest by purchasing power parity. Over the past few decades, it has experienced rapid economic growth and development, fueled by industrialization, urbanization, and export-led growth. Major industries include manufacturing, technology, finance, and agriculture.
Chinese Cuisine
Some iconic Chinese dishes enjoyed both domestically and internationally include:
- – Kung Pao Chicken (Sichuan)
- – Sweet and Sour Pork (Cantonese)
- – Peking Duck (Beijing)
- – Mapo Tofu (Sichuan)
- – Xiaolongbao (Shanghai)
- – Hot Pot (various regions)
- – Dim Sum (Cantonese)
- – Fried Rice (various regions)
- – Chow Mein (Cantonese)
Tourism in China
China boasts diverse landscapes, ranging from towering mountains (such as the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range) to vast deserts (like the Gobi Desert), lush plains, fertile river valleys (notably the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers), and picturesque coastlines. It is brimming with incredible tourist destinations, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. Here are some top picks:
The Great Wall of China
This iconic symbol of China stretches over 13,000 miles and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Forbidden City
Located in Beijing, it was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty and now houses the Palace Museum.
The Terracotta Army
Discovered in 1974 in Xi'an, this archaeological site features thousands of life-sized terracotta statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots, created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
The Yangtze River
The longest river in China and the third-longest in the world, offering stunning cruises through breathtaking scenery, including the famous Three Gorges.
The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)
Known for their peculiarly shaped granite peaks, twisted pine trees, hot springs, and seas of clouds, these mountains offer some of the most dramatic scenery in China.
The Li River
Flowing through Guangxi Province, this river is famous for its scenic karst landscapes, adorned with limestone peaks, caves, and bamboo groves.
Potala Palace
Situated in Lhasa, Tibet, it was once the chief residence of the Dalai Lama and is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Tibetan art and culture.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
Located in Sichuan Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its stunning natural scenery, including colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Known for its towering sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar," this park in Hunan Province offers breathtaking views and thrilling experiences like the glass-bottomed skywalk.
The Bund
Located in Shanghai, this historic waterfront area showcases a blend of architectural styles from different periods, offering stunning views of the city's skyline across the Huangpu River.
Capital: Beijing
Population: 1,409,670,000 (2023)
Government: Unitary Marxist-Leninist one-party socialist republic
Religions: Buddhism, Atheism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam
Languages: Standard or simplified Chinese
Calling Code: +86
Nationality: Chinese
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