How to Switch from Student X to Travel L

I'm a student studying in Hangzhou and am about to finish my semester, I'd like to remain in China and travel in order to practice my Chinese. My X type expires on 10th February so am wondering what my options are for switching to L type. (I've heard I may have to return to my home country of Australia to do this, but that's a bit of a financial burden) - I also heard Hong Kong is an option but it sounds like recent changes to rules make it hard to successfully apply for L type.

Am I able to do this from within PRC? Are there many requirements? What is the maximum amount of time I can get on a L type? What are the costs? (I arrived on a Student X)
Thanks for your reply