Leaving Australia in mid-August and arriving in China in late November

Hi guys,
I'm an Australian planning a round-the-world trip and was wondering if the 6-month validity of the double entry tourist visa applies from the date of issue or date of entry? Pretty much everything I have read states that a Chinese tourist L type shouldn't be obtained more than 3 months before entry. I leave on the 15th of August and plan to arrive in late November.
Would appreciate any help.