If you have the rights to work in China, the government will issue you a work permit. Normally this is arranged and organised by your office. Initially the work permit was apassort with a photo. In 2017, the year before I left, they changed it to a blue card as above. I thought this was a better idea. After all, you are expected to carry your passport or your work permit when you are outside. A card in your wallet is easier to carry than something of a passport size.
