Do I need a passport or visa to travel to China?

Definitely. If you do not already have one, you should apply for a passport immediately.  The requirements are somewhat strict, and once you have everything they require, it can still take well over a month to get your passport. U.S. passports are good for ten years; once you have one, you’ll be set for international travel for a long time. If you already have a passport, make certain that it is valid until 6 months beyond your return date. This is a requirement set by Chinese Immigration.

The Washington, DC, office of the CSP will be acquiring your visa for you (please see FAQ “How will I get my visa to get into the country?”).