Overview
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Washington DC is the central diplomatic mission managing the China-US relationship — the most consequential bilateral relationship in global affairs. The US and China are each other's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade spanning electronics, machinery, agricultural products, consumer goods and technology. The embassy coordinates consulates general in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. A fifth consulate in Houston was closed in 2020. The Chinese-American community is one of the largest Asian diaspora populations in the US, and Chinese students form the largest international student cohort at American universities.
Visa Services
The visa office at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 110, processes visa applications for US citizens and residents. Most applicants are directed to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Categories include tourist (L), business (M), work (Z), study (X) and transit (G). Visa email: washington_visa@csm.mfa.gov.cn.
Consular Services
Passport renewal, document legalisation, notarisation and emergency assistance for Chinese nationals. Passport email: washington_hz@csm.mfa.gov.cn. Authentication: washington_gzrz@csm.mfa.gov.cn.
Trade & Export Support
The Economic and Commercial Section promotes bilateral trade. China exports electronics, machinery, textiles, consumer goods and technology to the US. Chinese investment in US real estate, technology and manufacturing is substantial. The embassy facilitates business delegations and trade fair participation.
Cultural & Educational Programs
The Cultural Section promotes Chinese culture, language and arts. Confucius Institutes at American universities support Chinese language education. Academic exchange is extensive — hundreds of thousands of Chinese students study at US universities, and American academic institutions maintain partnerships with Chinese counterparts.
Service Area
The embassy's consular district covers Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Delaware.
Appointment Information
Main embassy: +1 202 495 2000. Visa office: 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 110, 20007. Visa phone: +1 202 495 2071 (12:30-16:30 weekdays).