I've just read this whole topic again. Seems like Flyingeggplant has come to China twice before on tourist visas with one-way tickets and both times converted to a Z visa after coming here....

The last time in 2009!

Visa rules have changed a LOT in that time last time in mid-2013 when things were tightened up a lot.

So as others have stated, you'll most likely have to show a ticket to leave china AND you can't concert your tourist visa to a Z visa once you're here. If you're planning to teAch English here then find a job that can sponsor a Z visa before you travel.

@ Flyingeggplant. Who told you that you can convert a tourist visa to Z visa in China? It may have been possible years back but is no longer allowed. You are supposed to go back to your home country to apply for it. Though I've heard of some in Shenzhen getting it in Hong Kong if the invitation letter is written the right way.

If you were married to a PRC national you'd more than likely apply for a family visit visa, not a tourist visa.

@ Janjal, I'm trying to find out exactly what is declared on an immigration police certificate & it's not clear. Will get back when I find more details.

Yuantongsi wrote "Instead you could go to Thailand or any other country where Chinese can get a visa on arrival, then when you land in that country use her Aussie passport to continue your journey to Oz." and what about on the way back through Thailand? That's the way they'll have to come back as the Chinese passport will have to show entry & exit stamps from Thailand. But also how do you leave Thailand using an Australian passport that doesn't have an entry stamp. Sounds a bit dodgy to me.