IMPORTANT NOTICE: New China travel visa fees are as follows:
Single entry visa: $ 50.00
Double entry visa: $ 75.00
Multiple Entries for 6 months: $100.00
Multiple Entries for 12 months: $150.00
Also, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the United States will cease accepting China travel visa applications by mail due to security concerns. Applicants for visas are requested to appear at the Consulate in person, or use a visa service such as Passports and Visas.
A China travel visa in a valid passport are required documents for entering into the mainland. If you arrive without a valid travel visa, you will not be allowed to enter, may be fined and will be immediately deported at your own expense.
If you want to visit any of the non-open cities, you need to acquire a travel permit. You can apply for these at the local public security bureau.
If you plan to leave China and then return, you need to get a China travel visa that allows for double entry or multiple entries.
To visit China, it is necessary to have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months, as well as an entry visa. For groups, visa formalities can be carried out only by the tour operator. Those traveling alone should personally request the visa from the nearest Chinese consulate or embassy and can obtain it only if invited by a private party, a business, or a conference organization. The visa has a 30-day validity and can be renewed twice at the local offices of Public Safety. For those going to Hong Kong, it is advisable to seek information from a Chinese embassy or consulate. Usually a visa is not necessary, but only a passport. From Hong Kong, the entry visa for continental China can be obtained within a few days .

Relatel information:

1. China Police
2. Xining Tours