Generally speaking, if you are a foreigner, you will need to get specific visa in order to work in China. You probably will not be able to enjoy certain benefits. Certain jobs are not available to foreigners. 

With that said, the labor laws, labor contract laws and other regulations are generally applicable to foreigners. Note in some jurisdictions (e.g. Shanghai), the local laws may be applicable despite the inconsistency with national labor laws in some specific aspects.