According to the EU Embassy press release, from October 27, 2014, the application for a Schengen visa in China will become more simple and specific categories of Chinese tourists will not need to provide hotel bookings and tickets and other supporting materials when submitting application. 

It is reported that China was the first country to introduce such a simplified procedure. It will apply to applicants who go to Schengen countries for business visits, short-term professional training, participation in cultural or sports activities, visiting friends and relatives. But it temporarily does not apply to applicants for the purpose of tourism. Because of its different from the practice, the decision will serve as a "pilot project" to perform and will experience a six-month trial period. After the end of the period, its implementation will be assessed.