The visa centres in Russia will  take a photograph and capture fingerprints for each applicant who are aged 16 to 70 inclusive when teh applicants submit their applications at the Centre. Visitors to China whose fingerprints and photo do not match may be denied entry and should bear all the consequences. Generally speaking, you should submit your application in person and collect your passport with an issued visa. If eligible for fingerprint free individuals over 70 or under 14 years old circumstances really prevent you from doing so , you may entrust someone else to do it for you (no need to provide a power of attorney) providing that you have prepared all the documents required and signed the application form.