Change working permt into tourist visa

Hi,

I am currently working as an ESL teacher in China. I have a working Z, and a resident permit valid until July. The permit is based on the date on the termination date of my contract. However, due to multiple reasons, I want to end my contract after the first semester to go home. I will finish the semester on january 31st. Before I go home on fb 27th I would like to travel for a bit in China. However, my empoyer will end my resident permit when I end my contract. Is it possible for me to change my permit into a tourist L, or do I have to go to HongKong to buy one first?

Thanks.