South African wanting to work in China

I have recently been offered a job in Xiamen, China and I am trying to figure out the best way forward with my application. I can’t apply for a work Z without getting a work permit first. However, to get my work permit I have to be in China. This means I will have to fly to China on a business or tourist L (both only 29 day stay) to sort out my work permit, return to SA after 29 days to apply for my work visa, and then finally return to China. This will be very expensive for my company. Is there any other option that will allow me to stay in China & not need to return once I have sorted out my work permit there? Or is it perhaps possible for me to apply for my work entry permit in Hong Kong instead of having to return to SA after 29 days of business/tourist M/L is up?