You will need a travel visa to go to China, a quick google search will tell what the visa requirements are.

He needs to write an invitation letter to invite you to visit him. 

As Stiggs says, check the visa requirements 

http://gh.china-embassy.org/eng/lsyw/fhqz/t1352306.htm

Is he a prince that has promised you millions in return for your bank details and a small 'fee'?

In answer to your question, flying here is the usual method.

Try traveling backwards ... you can do it some side-ways too, just don't walk straight up-front.

If your boyfriend is a Chinese national it should be no problem. As Stiggs says above, he or his family will need to write an invite letter etc. Your Chinese boyfriend is the best placed to find out. The visa rules do depend on the GDP of your country of origin, but not to the same extent as western countries.

Good luck. China is a fantastic place. Well worth a visit.

Hope to see you post updates on this thread. The more you tell us of the system you go through, the greater the help we can be to others in the future.

Some thoughts... stuff to tell your boyfriend.

If you have a tourist visa, and stay in a private home, you need to register with the local police. If they approve, you will get a temp resident registration. If your BF is from a rural village this might be an issue. You need to ask him about it.

In cities, the police prefer foreigners to live in gated communities with security. You need to tell him about this.

A health insurance policy is good to have. Buy a travel policy from your home country before you apply for your visa. You need to tell him this.

Good luck, and happy travels