It is true there are many facets of China. The way some expats live in Shanghai or Beijing is a small view of that. Amongst the locals, the lifestyles are hig

It is true there are many facets of China. The way some expats live in Shanghai or Beijing is a small view of that. Amongst the locals, the lifestyles are highly diverse. The difference between East and West China is enormous. I have lived in Shanghai for over 8 years (I'm a white male from the U.S.). I live in the nicest part of town and my office is a comfortable 5 blocks walk from home. I pay dearly for this comfort. And I'm not naive about what the high cost differential is buying me. I do know how the locals live. I'm married to a local Chinese lady and we have a family together where I deal with issues of raising a child according to multi-cultural values. Do not confuse the simple fact that many expats are willing to pay for whatever comforts of home they can with the fact that most of us that have been here a while are aware of the difference. If you are young and ready for an adventure, come to China and live like the local poor for a while. It will be a great life experience. After that, you should have enough perspective to use what money you have to live with what comforts you find most desirable.