total confusion living in china

You may just able to apply for a China tourist visa, and the return air ticket seems necessary. You can't get resident permit with your China visa. Even after your marriage with the Chinese, you will not be able to get the China residence oermit until you live in Chian for a continous five years. I advise you go to the local Chinese embassy or consulate where you will apply for the China visa to make a detailed enquiry about this to make everything clear and go smoothly.