A business visa for China permits a traveller to engage in business-related activities, while a tourist visa is issued solely for the purpose of travel for pleasure1. However, a business visa will not prevent you from exploring China1. There are different types of China visas that could be used for business purposes.
Depending on your nationality and the type of China visa you are applying for, certain foreign nationals are exempt from a China visa, while others are eligible to travel to China and obtain a China visa on arrival. All other foreign nationals must apply for a China visa before traveling to China.