I will be going to China for vacation, do I need a Chinese Visa, and how would I get one?

All foreigners (with only a few exceptions for some Asian countries) are required to have visas to enter China.

This is from the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco:

“Chinese visa is a permit issued to a foreigner by the Chinese visa authorities for entry into, exit from or transit through the Chinese territory. The Chinese visa authorities may issue a Diplomatic, Courtesy, Service or Ordinary Visa to a foreigner according to his/her identity, purpose of visit to China and passport type.”

You can read more about how to apply for a visa and how much it costs here:

http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/qianzhen/

Also, you do not have to get your visa through the San Francisco Consulate. You may go through the consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston or New York. You may also go through the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC. You can apply personally or use a visa service as all applications must be submitted in person. No mail in applications will be accepted.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!