cycling into and through china. I am trying to organise visas for my cycle trip to China this summer.

I am a UK passport holder currently in Istanbul. I visited the Chinese embassy here in Istanbul to get information about what type I could obtain and the paperwork I would need. They advised me to contact an agency that deals with travel to china to help me arrange a letter of permission from the Chinese government in order to apply for an 'L' type for upto 6 months to continue my cycle tour through china.

As of yet my exact dates and border points for arrival in China are unknown but I anticipate it being October. If you are able to help me or offer any advice or information I would be very grateful.