1. TOURIST VISA (L), issued to those traveling to China for tourism, visiting their relatives or friends, or other personal affairs.

2. BUSINESS VISA (F), issued to those traveling to China for an official visit, business, lecturing, exchange programs, short-term studyletter.

3. WORK VISA (Z), issued to those and their accompanying immediate family to work in China.

4. STUDENT VISA (X), issued to those going to China for a study program of more than six months.

5. RESIDENCE VISA (D), issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.

6. TRANSIT VISA (G), issued to those traveling to a third country via China. Return ticket to the third country is required. Those who transit at China's airports within 24 hours do not need a transit visa except US citizens.

7. CREW VISA (C), issued to crew of international flights, trains and ships, and their spouses.

8. JOURNALIST VISA (J), J-1 is issued to resident journalists in China, and J-2 to journalists on a temporary assignment.