Never do this and give everyone a miss asking you to do this.
I had an offer with them and they wanted me to go on a tourist visa and change it once I got there.

Yes, well, don't you pay any attention to, Another Willie, he has a track record of using wing-and-a-prayer-visas himself. The last time he went he got the sack from two jobs in his first two weeks in China, and had to accept an invitation to use a fill-in-job in USA which was to commission two new universities for them- we've all had to resort to that I suppose- all cash isn't it!

I think that's probably correct. The pieces of that jigsaw all fit together as far as I can see..

No, you should remember that you are going to China and many employers have arrangements with their local police. So grab that L visa and away you go. You tell Another Willie to sling-his-hook with his bad advice.

Dunno about the arrangements that many employers have with their local police STILL being failsafe! Not saying you're wrong, mind!

Well, it appears Herr Doktor has indeed slung his hook! That must make you and some others very happy!