My Chinese visa has been expired five years ago, do I need an invitation from someone in China before applying for a new visa to China.

Please also note you must have the visa forms filled out before go to the office they only accept Typed not handwritten you Are to China and checking into a hotel you are cleared to go renew it but if someone is waiting for you in china then when you get to China all foreigners must go thur immigration and fill out the arrival card it state what's your purpose in china is and the place you be staying at

Hello Desmond, yes, if you want to visit China, for tourism, you do needs your flight ticket & hotel reservation letter. Or for visit China friend, you do needs your friend's invitation letter and his China ID copy.