I am living in Beijing at the moment (Haidian), spent most of my life in Europe. I get what you mean and understand the efficiency of Chinese transport vehicles

I am living in Beijing at the moment (Haidian), spent most of my life in Europe. I get what you mean and understand the efficiency of Chinese transport vehicles. But one huge thing you are missing is the cultural differences. They are pretty big. >>>normal food (neither fast nor organic), normal shoes (not Nikes), a door on our house with keys, etc I get what you mean. I spent a little time in the north-east Beijing villages and I know what you mean by minimality. But again, 'not normal' shoes will last longer. The house with a bit more than just doors will make you feel safer (or is just me a paranoid Westerner?). Yes, there might be some lobbying and brain washing, as you call it. But as you can see, the culture is totally different. It's neither good nor bad. It's just the way it is.