The North vs South disparity always fascinates me. In many ways, they're the opposite of each other. The North: - Beijing sucks up all the resources, just lik

The North vs South disparity always fascinates me. In many ways, they're the opposite of each other. The North: - Beijing sucks up all the resources, just like Moscow. People in the surrounding regions hate it, but it's also their best bet to make a fortune. - Many regions feel post-Soviet. Industries are falling apart, the neighborhoods feel depressing. Young people leave and go to Beijing, Southern China, or abroad. It feels like how Eastern Europeans are making livings in Western Europe. - People who stay in their hometowns are desperate to get jobs in the public sector. - There are substantially more propaganda banners on the street. The South: - Just like op said, there are no obvious leaders. The cities in the two delta region create more network effects rather than suck up resources. - The south is much more vibrant. People are more adventurous to make fortune in the private sector or start their own businesses. - The vibes are less political, more economical.