Your stupid and illogical visa regulations make China unattractive for foreigners, that is why so many people were living and working illegally in China in the past, A Chinese work visa should be valid all over China, it should not be tied to one city or region or to one employer. A reference letter should not be required to change jobs. If someone has a bias toward an employer they won't give them a reference. However, your stupid public servants come up with all these idiotic regulations. Add to that, your racism and superiority complex, it is no wonder China is on the nose.

Absolutely right. Obfuscation in the visa process is one reason I was stymied in China and am now stuck in Hong Kong. Yes, a Chinese work visa should be acceptable and be issued for a minimum of 2 years and be valid all over China like you say. Why the blockheads in beijing won't get this through their thick skull I shall never understand.