From Nov 2014, U.S citizen can apply for 10 year multiple entry Chinese visa for tourist purpose. The duration of each stay for tourist visa is no more than 60 days.
1.Your Passport And Photocopy Of Your Passport
Your actual passport, which must have at least 8 months of validity remaining and one blank visa page. And the copy of the photo page and extension page (if you have) of your passport.