A visa is required to enter China for a period longer than 48 hours. Visas generally must be obtained at an embassy outside of China, and there are different requirements depending on the type of visa you apply for. If you use a travel agent to book your flight, this agent should be able to help you obtain a valid visa to enter China.
Transit Visa
China offers two very short-term transit visas. Transit visas are intended to allow travelers who stop in a Chinese city to enter that city for a brief visit between flights. For most passport holders, visas are not required for a 24-hour stopover in China. Forty-eight-hour transit visas are available in Shanghai only and are issued to travelers holding passports from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Greece, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland.
Individual Tourist Visa
Applications for individual tourist visas to China must be accompanied by a two-inch by two-inch photograph, either color or black and white, stapled or glued to the original application. Single, double and multiple entry visas that are valid for between three and six months are the most common visas. Visa applications must be delivered to the appropriate embassy in person or sent via a personal agent, such as a travel agent. Visa applications sent via mail will not be accepted. Individual tourist visa fees for American citizens are $130.00. Visa fees for citizens of other countries range from $30.00 to $90.00.
Group Tourist Visa
Discounts for people traveling in a group of five or more are available. The entire group must enter and leave China at the same time to be eligible. Group travel visa fees are $110.00 for each American citizen and $24.00 for citizens of other countries.
Student Visa
Student visas require a two-inch by two-inch color or black and white photograph to be stapled or glued to the original visa application. X-class student visas are generally valid for three months, but can be issued for as long as twelve months. People who intend to study in China longer must apply for residence status in the locality of the school within 30 days of entry to China. Student visa applications must be either delivered in person or delivered by an authorized representative, like a travel agent. X-class student visa fees are $130.00 for American citizens and $30.00 for citizens of other countries.
Residence Visa
Residence visas, or D-class visas, are available to people who plan on permanently residing in China. D-class visas require one two-inch by two-inch black and white or color photograph, which must be attached to the original visa application. The visa application must be personally delivered or be delivered by a personal agent, like a travel agent. D-class visas are valid for a single entry which must occur within six months of the issuance of the visa. Once in China, formal residency application must be made through the local public security department in your place of residence. The residency application must be made within 30 days of entry to China. Fees for a D-class visa are $130.00 for American citizens and $30.00 for citizens of other countries.
Work Visa
Employment, or Z-class, visas are available for people who want to work for foreign companiesin China, as well as for local Chinese companies. A work visa application must be accompanied by a two-inch by two-inch photograph, a valid visa notification, a copy of the Work Permit for Aliens issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry or the original of Foreign Expert's License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau, and proof of family relation for any accompanying family members. As with other Chinese visas, work visa applications must be delivered either in person or via an authorized agent. Fees for Z-class visas are $130.00 for American citizens and $30.00 for citizens of other countries.

good ,very specific info.

if i want to go study abroad, for example Austrilia, how can i apply for a student visa?