The answer is simply a big fat juicy "No".

It's only illegal if you get caught...and then you get to be separated from your family via deportation.

Suggest you look for work, but don't actually accept any jobs until you and your company have secured a proper work permit.

It's illegal, but tens of thousands do it. My advice is don't try it in a first tier city, their checks seem to be much more thorough, but in second or third tier?  Well your choice, but you won't be in a minority if you do.

You are married to a Chinese national so you can get a residence visa, you need your passport, your wife's ID card, (if she has a 'foreign' passport she will have to surrender it so don't tell them about it), your marriage certificate, (officially translated if not from China), and your certificate of temporary residence from the nearest police station, and perhaps a health certificate too, remember whatever you take there WILL be something missing, the police in the PSB take enormous pride in never letting anyone get an application through first time, so prepare for lots of hassle.

Once you have your residency visa (initially only for 6 months, next one usually for 1 year and subsequent ones can be up to 2 years, ) you are here legally so long as you DON'T work. However, I know of very few people in such situations apart from those in first tier cities, who don't work. But your peace of mind would be improved if you can find an employer who will get you a legal work visa. 

It is technically not legal, but people do it all the time and are rarely caught. However, it is not really worth the risk, especially someone who is here and with family.

When I first came to China, I taught on an L visa for 2 months before getting the proper visa. The local PSB office was aware, and they never cared whatsoever. But times are different now, and every PSB office can be different.

You can. I just hope the cops don't roll in and check your passport while you're working. You better have a silver tongue if you want to wriggle out of that mess.

Like everyone above has said, it is not legal to work on an L visa but many people do. If you get caught though, you will be in a world of hurt. If you want to work look for an employer who can and will get you the proper visa.

we all know it's illegal but still can do if you have the right people.........school or company that is powerful and some friends in the goverment then everything can go smooth....my advice do it if you know you won't get caught with it...Good Luck mate

Hi dude

Well it is illegal to work on L visa but lot of people are doing it as Chinese are still in learning process in the case of immigration.
Well in your case even you will be caught by police while working they will not deport you as you have an edge of Chinese spouse.
It is better to find a job and tell your employer to get your work permit it is not difficult as comparing to western work permit system.
Best of luck

The same as last time this was asked and the time before and the time before that and even the other 243 times this has been asked

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People you can look at old posts that talk about selected subjects at the top of the page

Maybe we need a FAQ of a FFAQ page

And this is why I drink

As everybody knows, the answer is illegal. You shall get a "Z" visa as well as the working permit(from local labor bureau ) before coming to work here in China from China embassy in your country, and then after you come to China, you have to apply the residential permit/residential certificate from the local PSB. Of course, you still need to have some company sending the application letter and do that for you. Lot of related documents are needed.

If you do have any question, you can contact L & Y Bizlaw Office for free consulting of any issues, even when you have trouble in China.

There is no labor law violation that cannot be overcome with 1,000 rmb.  I worked 2 years in china on L visas and when I finally got snagged my Chinese boss "took care of it" in less than 10 minutes of "negotiations"

Sure you can, however if someone takes a dislike to you, and then reports you to the local PSB office, you could end up in trouble, 2  years past Beijing specified that it was going to take a harsh stance against foreigner who work without the correct documentation, as very often they are earning money but not paying the taxes. I not sure of the penalties handed out, my guess is each local office will deal with the issue differently.