My sister has a X1 visa and I would like to go visit her plus travel around South East Asia

Hi there,

From January 2016 I would like to go visit my sister (from England) who is studying in Shanghai with a X1 type. For the trip I'd like to see her in Shanghai and then travel around some of the countries in South East Asia before returning back to China for the last part of the trip (Mid - February to the beginning of March). I think I should have to get an S2 type, however the information above says that I need to stay in PRC for the duration of the S2. How do I get around this? Also, when should I get my entry permit to make sure I can enter at the start of January, re-enter in February and the fly home at the start of March?

Thanks
Maria