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Q: New or old districts?
Some of us prefer the busy and crowded old districts, low to medium height buildings, smaller communities, yet more noise, more direct availability of social life, more shops, more street vendors, China as we imagine it before coming in.
Some others prefer the new areas, built from the late 1990s, mostly comprised of high rises and large gated communities, that's where most CBDs are, larger streets, more greenery, the image that China wants to give to the rest of the world.
Which one is yours?
Old. I didn't come to China to live like I did in America. I enjoy the craziness.
Old. I didn't come to China to live like I did in America. I enjoy the craziness.
I really do prefer both. I like the convenience of older districts as well as the people. Older districts tend to be local people and more polite through all that craziness.
Newer districts have the newer buildings and nicer apartments and often cheaper rents as new generally refers to away. But are often filled with whole families of migrant workers so it can be exactly like living in Hunan.
I really do prefer both. I like the convenience of older districts as well as the people. Older districts tend to be local people and more polite through all that craziness.
Newer districts have the newer buildings and nicer apartments and often cheaper rents as new generally refers to away. But are often filled with whole families of migrant workers so it can be exactly like living in Hunan.
BobC:
"like living in Hunan"
That's pretty funny, except where I live it is people from Sichuan.
I like it because the locals all like sweet and sour food and the Sichuan migrants will make homemade sausages which will be a little tough but very good and spicy.
I'll take the old parts of the city any day. Much more character and atmosphere. CBD just too sterile and non-user friendly imo.
I am with Mike on this one. I prefer both as well but for different reasons.
1) If I am looking to just settled down, live and do work I prefer the newer districts with less noise, more greenery and fewer people. The recent apartment I have bought is JUST outside the bustling area in a far more quieter area.
2) If I am looking for some energy or activity, I head to the older areas (usually downtown) and it isn't long before I find something going on. Living in older areas is a huge pain in the ass... except when looking for a place to hang out and eat late at night. So much traffic, so many funky smells...
That's why I appreciate my own transportation in China. I am not at the mercy of local taxis or buses (well, I still kind of am... with their horrible driving).
I live in a new apartment block across the road from a "semi old" district (built in the 80's).
So I sort of get both worlds, out the gate and turn right there are two western style bars, turn left and I can sit outside a shop surrounded by chaos. And because my MIL spent most of her working life in the semi old area, lots of people know who we are.
If it was up to me I would live in the hustle and bustle of the old. But I think I would soon miss the relative peace of the new..... and the elevator.
