Chinese Visa

The easiest and simplest way is to apply for a tourist Visa. 

On the Chinese official website, the tourist Visa is called "L Visa - Issued to an applicant who comes to China for tourist purposes, family visiting or other personal affairs."

Another type of Visa, "F Visa: Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for conference, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and cultural exchanges or short-term studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.", although it sounds like the right one, it is not suitable for our Winter Course students/parents/teacher. F Visa requires an invitation letter from a Chinese government department or government authorised company.

Therefore, it is advisable to apply for a tourist Visa - which generally is issued for the purpose of travel for pleasure -

Please note that, for single entry and double entry visas, you must enter China within 3 months from when the visa is granted.

In the UK, Visa application can be submitted through companies such as http://www.chinesevisadirect.co.uk/ - these companies charge a small additional fee but save you travel expense and a great deal of time