The tourist visa, or the "L" visa, is issued for tourists and is valid for three months on the single-entry version. It is valid for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or any personal affairs.
The "X" visa is issued to persons whose main purpose is study. It may also be issued to those on internships for a period more than six months.
The working visa, or "Z" visa, is issued to those with the intention to engage in employment in China. It is also issued to the family members of an individual currently employed in China.
There are two types of journalist visa. The first, called a "J-1" visa, is issued to foreign correspondents residing in China. The second, called a "J-2" visa, is issued to correspondents on short reporting trips in China.
A resident's visa, or "D" visa, is issued to aliens who wish to permanently reside in China. They tend to be issued to foreigners who have married a Chinese national.
A transit (G) visa is issued to those who are passing through China on their way to another destination. It is issued at an airport in China and is available to those who will not leave the airport and have a connecting flight withing 24 hours.
