"Even though banks, train tickets, and anything requiring an ID (for instance, internet cafes) can be a complete bureaucratic nightmare, day to day life has a c

"Even though banks, train tickets, and anything requiring an ID (for instance, internet cafes) can be a complete bureaucratic nightmare, day to day life has a certain peacefulness to it. Perhaps that peacefulness stems from the acceptance that the world around you is hectic and chaotic" Yes! That's my experience as well. I lived in Hong Kong as well, where you can experience Chinese culture in an international city, eat whatever cuisine you want, and enjoy a very convenient lifestyle. High-class shopping centres, fun nightlife, and the MTR runs like a Swiss watch. Still, I didn't like it as much as Chengdu, which is sprawling, polluted and a nightmare to get around. But living there was strangely relaxed and adventurous - anything can happen, so you don't try to fight it.