I want to know specifically, can foreigners apply for residence permits in China, and can American citizens who return to China with tourist visas apply for residence permits?

Residence permit is for foreigners working or studying in China, so that they can legally stay in Huaneng and travel to and from China for many times.

Visa is based on the specific reasons why foreigners come to China to apply for the corresponding stay period.

You can't apply for a long-term residence permit with a tourist visa. You can apply for a residence permit for one to two years after changing to a visit (Q) visa or a work (Z) visa. After the successful bid, as long as the residence permit is still valid, you can still enter and leave the country freely even if the visa expires.

Only foreigners with work visas and valid residence permits can work in China.