I will study in China in June. I want to arrive in May to travel. Tourist or X2 Visa?

I am a US citizen currently living in Austria. I am planning to participate in a Chinese language program starting June 25th. However, I need to arrive May 8th due to cheaper transportation fees, and I would like to travel before I study. I have yet to apply. Should I apply for a tourist type in order to arrive in May, since my school cannot not give a letter of invitation until classes start? If so, would that effect applying for a student type while I arrive?