I feel I must point out that China's visa legislators have reserved themselves the right to change the visa regulations without prior notice. It's possible that at the time a visa run to HK is commenced by a laowai, Z visa conversions from L visas are still doable. But after the laowai reaches HK, he may discover the regulations have been changed while he was in transit to there, and so he couldn't obtain a Z visa. Basically he would be up a creek without a paddle!

I do not advise any prospective FT to enter mainland China on any other visa type than a Z visa!

Correct on all accounts.

From the Commisioners office of Foreign affairs of the PRC in the HK S.A.R.

5. Applicants who do not enjoy HK resident status should apply for visas with the Chinese Embassies or Consulates General in their countries of citizenship or residence.

From this link:

http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/fwxx/wgrqz/t1071458.htm

As far as I am concerned I read that, and take that, to mean the HK Visa run loophole is now closed. Of course, you can still go there and try, but it will be at your *OWN RISK* and on your own head financially and physically if your college/school in China refuses to help you out once you are stranded there. You may well find getting even a tourist visa back into China very difficult or only limited to 1 months entry....and you won't be able to work on that.

Now, given my and ROXYINCHINA'S input, would you advise an FT to risk the L visa stuff and HK run?