I just went down to the Chinese Embassy in person and filled for a visa this past monday. They didnt ask for any plane tickets or itinerary. Im suppose to pick up my passport and visa tomorrow. So maybe just bring your plane tickets and such. Of course this was in Downtown LA and I have 2 prior chinese visas which are all expired :-( Damn it all, why are they so expensive.. good luck! Tomorrow my fiance is going to apply for a visa in Chinese Embassy in downtown LA. He is a little worried about it with the new requirements. He has got the invivations from me and one company, all my residential paper, hotel reservation and air tickets. From your experience, I hope my fiance can get Chinese visa easily. Good luck!