www.mandarin.cafe/[...]

According to this article China is opening up the labor markets... it states...

"Requirements and formalities for seeking a job in China

If you want to work in China, you must meet these basic conditions:

18 years of age or older
Good health
No criminal record
A clearly defined employer
Valid passport or another international travel document
Possessing professional skills and job experience

Foreigners who are seeking employment in China must apply for an employment visa to a Chinese embassy, consulate or consular office and enter China with the employment visa. If they apply for a simple job they should apply for Z visa, and if they are highly skilled, specialists or urgently needed, they should apply for an R visa. After they enter China, foreigners need to apply for a foreigner residence permit and foreign employment permit before starting to work."

So... has the Z visa requirement ACTUALLY changed? Has anyone tried this yet?

As always, expect local interpretations and things lost in translation. Like some changes in the past, this article suggests a lot, but the reality could be very little.

There is nothing about this on lawandborder.com/category/china/ yet, and this is perhaps the best Website I have seen on these matters.

However, it does look like the Chinese government is trying to enforce a more uniform and open interpretation of policy, which can only be a good thing. lawandborder.com/[...] . It does now look as if a number of issues related to some of us long termers will be addressed.

defo ambig. could be open to fresh grads only or ven fresh grads from chinese uni progs only. as for the r visa, that is not be for fresh grads and not for mere mortals.

I think an R visa is for scientists and physicists, things of that level.