Can expat buy A-Shares?

Hi guys,

I've worked in China between 2010-2015, now traveling back and forth couple of times a year.

I have an account with CMB bank - there's a bit of RMB left and I am thinking of putting it directly into A-Shares. Is that possible for a former expat like me?

My CMB bank allows me to buy funds, which then buy into China share market and they charge 2% service fee, but "fund manager" are not my flavor and I just want to buy some A-shares directly.

Suggestion appreciated.

Note: In terms of identification: I still own a pretty much idle JV company in China from the old days, but does not have an employment visa. I come into China each time with an invitation visa by my current employer so officially I am not officially employed but them but just as an expert/advisor that comes in and out of China.

Thank you .