is it possible to change my student visa to tourist visa?

I am currently living in China as on a X type that is going to expire july 15th. I would like to stay one more month on a L type. However, I've heard that the law is going to change on july 1st and that we'll have to go back to our home country to extend it. Is it true? Is it possible to extend in China or we need to go hong kong? Thanks,
Karyne