China visa sorted by two categories and devided into nine types, namely, ordinary and diplomatic visa. The Ordinary visa consists of eight types, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters F, L, Z, X, C, J-1, J-2, G, and D.

Ordinary Visa

L Visa = Tourist visa

Issued to foreigners who enter China temporarily for touring, family visiting or other personal affairs. Single-entry, double-entry tourist visa are available. The maximum stay in China for each entry is 30 days. Multiple-entry is not granted for tourist visa.

F Visa = Business/Visit Visa

Issued to foreigners who are invited to China for business visit, research, lecture, scientific-technological and cultural exchanges. Single-entry, double-entry, 6-month-multiple-entry, one-year-multiple-entry business visa are available. The maximum stay in China for each entry is 30 days.

Z Visa = Work Visa

Issued to foreigners who are to take up a post or employment in China, and their accompanying family members.

X Visa = Student Visa

Issued to aliens who goes to China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months. If the study period is no more than six months, then the applicant shall apply for a business visa (type F).  

C Visa = Crewmember Visa

Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and their accompanying family members.

J Visa = Journalist Visa

J-1 visa issued to foreign journalists who are posted to China for at least one year.
J-2 visa issued to foreign journalists who are on temporary interview mission in China.

G Visa = Transit Visa

Issued to aliens transit through China. U.S. passport holders must obtain a transit visa to transit through all Chinese airports except Pudong International Airport in Shanghai.
 

D Visa = Residence Visa

Issued to foreigners who are going to live in China permanently.

Diplomatic and Service Visa

Issued to the foreign government officials and the staff of diplomatic missions and of the United Nations who travel to China for official mission or accreditation.