I am planning on applying for this next year but never too early to enquire.  So how much money is best to take to last the first month and probably have a bit of a good time before settling down with the work?

If you really want to be safe, and have a little bit of extra spending cash, about 5,000 RMB ought to do it! 

Thanks for that bweedin I was a little curious to but keep in mind Zandosfactry, you can work out what would be best when you figure out where you want to stay in China and the different regions will affect how much your going to be paying out on a daily basis.