The only places where you should be able to get Z visas for working in the PRC are Chinese visa offices outside the PRC.That's because the Z visa is the only visa that gives you the right to enter the PRC in order to work there.Once across the border,you have 30 days to obtain a residence permit from the local Public Security Bureau.That permit supercedes and replaces the Z visa.So no-one should expect to get a Z within China.But sometimes,if you're in the right place,
your L visa can be replaced by a Z visa back-dated to your date of entry.But you'll need to undrego a medical.Working on an F is illegal.But for one year of quarterly F's,you'd only be shelling out 4x 120 Yuan,and you needn't undergo a medical.A good deal,methinks.Reckon I'll make Yangshuo my next port of call after my present contract expires.Thanks a lot for the info.