If you hold J1, Q1, S1, X1, and Z visas, within 30 days of entry, you must apply to a PSB exit-entry office for a residence permit, which works like a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to leave the country and return as long as the permit remains valid. According to the period of staying in China of foreign nationals, the residence permit can be divided into residence permit, temporary residence permit and permanent residence permit. Some categories of foreign nationals entering China may be granted stay certificates instead of visas or residence permits. For example: foreign nationals whose governments have reciprocal visa waiver agreements with China (e.g., tourists from Singapore, Brunei, and Japan); persons who renounce PRC nationality; persons whose residence permits have been cancelled and who wish to remain in China for up to 30 additional days as a “grace period” to travel and wrap up their affairs in China; persons whose visas or residence permits are cancelled or confiscated and who are ordered to depart the country by a specified date will be given a stay certificate valid until that date.

Please find more information: http://www.enghunan.gov.cn/hneng/Services/wantto/stage/index.html?s=[1]

(Compiled by Mi Yudan)