Longest for me has been about a month.  We typically just chat with each other in the mornings/nights via QQ, WeChat, or Whatsapp.  I also try to send pictures; she usually enjoys those.  I can't really imagine a 6 month hiatus though.

And I'm guessing you won't be staying in China long this time, right, with Christmas being right around the corner and all?  This time of year is usually a bit hectic for me.  This year I'll be home for a week for Thanksgiving, come back to China for 3.x weeks, then back home for Christmas for 2 weeks.

before we came back to Australia 5 months was the longest

this year we spent 3 months apart because she had to look after her Mum in China

while I stayed home with the Kids

Skype and QQ make life easier than when we first got together

however I try to avoid going away these days as I like being with my family

I would say it is harder for her than me as Im used to being on my own but that does not mean I like it 

7 months after we met, while I was still studying. Then she came to visit me for 3 weeks, then I went to visit her 3 months later. 1 month later she moved to my country and we have had 2 times 1 month apart since then because of visa things.

Tomorrow we will be apart again for 1 month, because I have a business trip.

Skype, QQ and email really helps a lot.

And of course it is important to talk to each other everyday.

Our minimum is to say good morning and good night to each other. With 7 hours time difference it can be hard to find a lot of time to talk each day.

Wow, 6 months apart? That's tough man, not sure I could hack that... the longest I lasted apart from my missus was 3 weeks, and that was after my 6 month sabbatical in China came to an end and I had to head back to the UK... back to my 'permanent' job. After I got back though I sat down one night and realised that I could work anywhere. The lady I wanted to be with was in Beijing, so why didn't I just work there? So I moved to Beijing... that was almost 10 years ago... Not everyone is in a position to make such a move though ;o)

Since then though we've been apart a few times, each time between 1 and 3 weeks again, but it has got easier. This will sound a bit crass but I've found that the longer we're apart then (generally) the easier it has been to get to on with life...

I agree with the other answers posted above too - Skype, QQ, WeChat/Weixin - they can all help. The time difference makes meaningful communication a lot harder, but it is important to make the effort.

The times when I really missed her I would spend the evening planning fun things that we would do together when I got back. This helped to take my mind off the current situation and made me focus on the good times to come

2 and half months ,He went back to Australia to quit his job there after we met in person at the first time.It's so hard for us,we talked to each other on msn and Skype every day and sms'd each other as well. Then he moved to China for me and we are together all the time. We've not been apart since.

Almost 5 months this time, 5 months before that. I'm glad for the time away as things weren't going as I wanted. Too many problems,,, the eyes of the people etc. If she had gotten a visa to visit with me and things got different away from China, I would stay with her. As it is I'm letting things cool off. I don't want to hurt anyone, certainly not insult her. I won't dump her, I'm hoping we can just remain good friends.

We've been apart for long stretches alot. And it never stops sucking. 

As far as i remember it's been 18 months since the last time i went back home

5 months but still no chance to meet

8 months apart, and things were still great when I returned. (not great now)

I was extremely busy when I was back in Canada during that time so that made things easier. I just worked, ate, slept, and connected of qq video.