Traveling, what can I do

Hi, My boyfriend will be teaching in Shenzhen for 2 years, I would like to come visit him in October and then come back in December. When arriving back in December I would like to stay with him and travel for a year. Can I apply for an L visa and leave China every 2 months and than come back in for that year? Also when I come in October will my time for the year start than? He will have the work Z type, does that help me out at all? We are not married. Thank you