Originally Posted by
abraxis
Tourist (L) Visas now require invite letters according to the
SF Consulate?
It's been a while since I've had to look at this.
Round-trip air tickets and hotel orders *
or* invitation letters issued by Chinese travel agencies or individuals (a photocopy of the ID of the inviting individual needs be attached) (Please refer to
Annex 3 for the contents of the invitation letter)
*Invitation letter or travelling itinerary issued by a reception travel agency in China *if* traveling to China by your own vehicle
*Itinerary *if* travelling by ship
Bolding mine. I applied with just air ticket and hotel, no letter. Theoretically you should be able to apply with just an invitation letter but if you go that route r/chinavisa says some consulates are requiring invitation letter + flight/hotel.