My girlfriend has accepted a job in beijing

Because you are not married, probably you will be granted a tourist visa with 30 days duration. It can be extended twice in beijing with 30 days each. So, it is 90 days. Or you can try to apply for a double entry or multiple entry tourist visa, they allow longer stay in China.

Thanks Jo.
If I get a tourist visa with 30 days and then extend twice what are my options after that? do I have to renew in the uk? Can I renew from a closer country?

Can I renew a double entry or multiple entry tourist visa in Beijing? If I get one whats the easiest way to "leave" the country and re-enter.
Thanks

Yes, you have to leave China after two visa extensions. With UK passport, you can apply for a new China visa in HK through the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of China Foreign Affairs. If you get a double entry or multiple entry visa, it can also be extended in Beijing. If the duration of each stay is ok for you, you can just leave for HK or Macao and enter again to activate the next entry.

Cheers Jo

on a double or multible entry vias how long can each individual stay be before i have to go to HK
If I had the 30 day tourist visa and renewed twice, can i then apply for the double/multiple in HK

Thanks for your help

For the duration of each entry, it depends on your visa been issued. Generally, it can be 30 days, 60 days or more. Yes, you can apply for a double/multiple entry visa in HK if you have relevant documents, such as invitation letter or detailed travel itinerary.