If you think it sucks, it sucks, if you don't, it don't. I think Einstein said that.

China is mostly bad because most of you came here expecting some developed-country paradise where people are treated equally, like in your home country.

It's actually not all that bad. You just need to tune out all the human misery and despair that perpetrates every pore of that decaying country, forcing you to guzzle cheap wine, and even cheaper whiskey, to DULL THE PAIN THAT SHATTERS YOUR HEART, RIPS AT YOUR SOUL, AND KEEPS YOUR DAYS FOREVER GRAY.... like the smog.

the more i understand about what happens in my own country China gives me the ignorince is bliss feeling .
i only get the shits with China when my wife dictates our time there .and all the really dumb things people do ... but then again "this is China"

Well, you will certainly not find an accurate answer to your question on ECC (or any other internet forum for that matter). This type of forum by its very nature attracts people with very polemic viewpoints whether positive or negative. Most posters that contribute to ECC have a negative viewpoint about China but, in terms of numbers, only really represent a tiny figure compared with the total expat population currently living in China.

I would say the truth lies in the middle. The overwhelming majority of expats understand that living in China is never going to be perfect and just live with the fact. They are just happy to earn what they do, live life to the best and have no reason to express any views that they have publicly. 

I would guess that utopia exists nowhere in reality. No matter where you live, there are going to be positives and negatives.

From a personal perspective, I find more and more negatives living in China. Perhaps I have just been here too long. Perhaps a place like China is best in small doses. Whatever the case, I can only talk for myself. I have met other expats that ranged from loving it here to those that simply just tolerate the place and those that show indifference. 

Is China that bad? I suppose yes, no or maybe is the only accurate answer available!

Only if you compare it to other countries you might visit in East Asia, with a couple of exceptions.

Nah China isn't that bad, but it sounds like the OP is going through his first case of "reverse culture shock". Nicholasba, did you just return to Italy? Home will feel strange and stressful for a month or 2, just like when you first arrived in China. I'm sure your hometown isn't so bad either

Just repeat these things out loud as a response to anything nutty in China, it will help.

soon enough you will tune out everything around you and develop blinders , ignorance and be oblivious to the world.

" in China "

" It doesn't matter "

" No problem "

"Is China really that bad?"

The operative word is THAT. What is the specific subject or aspect?
What is your perspective?

Are you a car owner or do you get driven?
Are you a rich pensioner, or a hopeful job seeker?
Do you like the food or the girls? Are you single? Are you trying to lose weight?
How is your tolerance for cold weather? Or hot?
On the subject of tolerance: Idiots, do you suffer them gladly?
Are you more concerned about pollution or street muggers?
Do you want to have involved discussions about politics and philosophy, or do you prefer sports or fashion?
So many details that lead to different answers.

Rich, chauffeur-driven pensioner who likes foreign food and girls, enjoys local weather, is amused by idiots, worried about muggers, loves sports and fashion: China is absolutely great for you!

For other people, not so much.