Welcome Matt , again .. you have come to a great Place .. that can help you along just about anything of worry or interest to you .
For your Lady to receive a Visiter Visa is on a Scale of ten .. about 9.9 NOT for the US . There are exceptions , but disappointment's are no Fun .
I'd do the Visiting to start out on this and find out your comfortable with each other , to the Point of thinking about Marriage . After that , do the Spouse Visa . ( that's my Thought anyway )
About a Wedding in China , well this is up to you and your Lady . Myself , I did it in China for two reasons .. one being , I wanted something different (as I was married here already ones ) and second for her .. her Family and Friends .. before you take her away from them . It does NOT have to be in China , but it will give you FACE and some brownie points with your Lady/Family .
About the Cost , well again .. up to your Taste of a Wedding and all that goes along with that and yes .. the Paperwork , Gift's , a few Trips ( the more the better for her Visa interview time ) . I'd say .. you'll be in for about $ 6000 to as much as $ 25000 in some cases . Yes not cheap !
Anyway , read more here and good Luck to you Matt . Remember there are many Member's here to help you .. or Kick your A** if it's due .