Resident Visa (D) Issued to aliens who are going to reside permanently in China.

My understanding is you have to be married to a Chinese national for 5 years to obtain that, but it forbids you to do business or work.

As an aside, a brit guy I know in guangdong who married a local gal, told me he is able to get a 1 year L visa because of his marital status.

Thanks for the info you posted!!!