residence permit to student visa

Im from Philippines , I'm in Ningbo and I'm currently holding a valid residence permit. I plan to study this coming semester for a year or two in Ningbo Polytechnic. Do I need to go back to Philippines just to get the student (X1) type? Or is it possible that I just stay in Ningbo and wait till the semester starts. I'm not working anymore and I got my release letter from my employer.