Short-Term work/study visa requirements

[Mike1]

Hi there,

I'm going to study/work (teach english) in China for about 4-5 months.

I've been told by the agency i'm going with that to do this I only need a tourist visa, but just about everywhere I look tells me that working in China on a tourist visa is a big no-no.

Is anyone able to clarify this for me? I don't think i've been given the wrong information by the agency but it just seems odd.

Also what should fill out in the "purpose for visit section" of the passport? just tick tourism?

Cheers

Mike