How to acquire a Chinese visa in the US?

For a China travel visa request, the Chinese Embassy or Consulates require the following:
• Your passport, which must have at least six (6) months of remaining validity and at least one blank visa page in it.
• A recent passport sized photo;
• A completed Chinese visa application form;
• An applicant who was born in China is required to submit his/her Chinese passport or last foreign passport with a Chinese visa when he/she applies for a Chinese visa with a new foreign passport
• To apply for a Multiple Entry “L” Visa valid for 6 months or 1 year, you need to submit documents that certify you will come to China frequently for family visits or sightseeing. Acceptable documents include an invitation letter from a family member in China or proof of the relationship; or ownership certificate of real estate in China, or sale agreement or lease agreement of an apartment in China; or a copy of an adoption certificate or the child’s former Chinese passport if he/she has adopted a child from China.
• Foreign Chinese born in China who have visited China at least twice in the past 12 months, need to submit a copy of the visa(s); or submit an official letter issued by the host institution in China, or an application letter which explains why you need to visit China frequently for tourism.

Notes: You must go to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate General in the consular jurisdiction in which you live to submit the application; or if you cannot go in person, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to go to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate General in the consular jurisdiction in which you live for the application process.

For more detailed or up-to-date information, please check the USA Chinese Consulate website: http://www.China-embassy.org/eng