South African in Shanghai for 5 months

Hi, I am South African. My boyfriend will be on exchange program at business school for 5 months in Shanghai (from September 2016- January 2017).
I want to come with him. Must I come on a tourist visa? We have only booked our accommodation for the first month.
Also, if I want to do part time work teaching English, do I need a work Z type? Most ESL jobs only assist with a Z type if you sign a 1 year contract.
Thank you,