Chinese tourist visa requirements provide guidelines aimed at increasing an applicant's chances of obtaining a tourist visa to the country. As is the case with all embassies or consular offices, meeting the Chinese tourist visa requirements is by no means a guarantee that the Chinese Embassy will issue you a visa.
Passport Requirement
The Embassy of China requires visa applicants to present a valid passport during the application process. If you are applying for a Chinese visa, your passport must have a minimum validity of six months with at least one blank visa page in it. The information page on your passport must be visible.
Photo Requirement
The Chinese Embassy requires you to submit a recent passport-sized photo. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches. You may submit either a color or black and white photograph. You must staple or glue the photo to your application form.
Foreign Nationals
If you are a foreign national in the United States, the Chinese Embassy may require you to submit documents verifying your U.S. immigration status, such as a photocopy of your U.S. Green Card or valid U.S. visa. Depending on your visa status in the United States, a Chinese visa officer may ask you to provide other immigration documents such as your Form I-120 or Work Permit.
Former Chinese Citizens
If you are a former Chinese citizen and you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, the Chinese Embassy requires you to provide your Chinese name on the application form. You must also provide your original Chinese passport as well as a photocopy of the information page on the passport.

Similarly, if you are a former Chinese national who is now a U.S. citizen and you recently replaced your U.S. passport, you must provide a copy of your old U.S. passport. If your old passport contained a Chinese visa, you must also provide a photocopy of the visa.
Family Visits
Unless you were born in China, the Chinese Embassy requires applicants traveling to China to visit relatives to provide documented proof of a familial relationship, which may include a marriage license.
Supporting Documents
The Chinese Embassy reserves the right to request that you provide additional documents, such as the original copy and photocopy of your Chinese hotel arrangements as well as your round-trip tickets.

Source: eHow