Is it possible for my wife and children to be included on my Z-visa?

Matt, you can come to China first to change your Z type into a temporary resident permit. Then you can send an invitation letter and copies of your passport information page and your valid resident permit to help your wif and children to apply for S1 type. Your wife and kids must provide the marriage certificate and birth certificates. After acquiring S1 type, they can chang S1 into temporary resident permits too.

If you plan to make your kids attend school, you'd better help them apply X1 type.