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Q: In which time do you prefer to live? Ancient China or Modern China?
These two are extremely opposite and I wonder which one has stronger influence in todays Chinese society.
I have always liked ancient times any where. I love history. I like to see what I can of old China. New cities and tall buildings don't do anything for me, a city is a city.
Not sure about living in time past with sword carrying hostiles unfriendly to foreigners.
I've always been amazed at ancient Greece, Egypt etc. I have a 1938 Chevy and look at that time period, many changes and wars starting.
When I was a kid my parents used to torture me by dragging me half way across Canada on a train, barfing all the way. We'd go to western Manitoba where my grandparents used to live. The farmers were poor, some still used horses, drove Ford model A (often just field cars), no indoor plumbing, wood stoves used all year for cooking, no phones. All food was homemade. It was like going back in time and I always loved that place. The air smelled of poplars.
You have given the answer you seek by adding "in todays Chinese society." Obviously you are seeking glory for Modern China. However, there is really little to glorify, and little difference, except that Modern China is far more inhospitable.
The same system of Emperor and peasants still exists, that has existed for all China's 2200 year history that began with the Qin Dynasty. The exception is that the CCP has taken the place of the Emperor, with Jiang Zemin remaining the core of the CCP.
As for being inhospitable, this refers to the irreversible damage Modern China has done to it's natural resources. As far as I know, Ancient China didn't have air, soil, water and food so contaminated that it actually kills people.
Consider also that Modern China sought to totally wipe out all aspects of Ancient Chinese culture during the glorious Cultural Revolution, which still serves as a reminder of the glory of Modern China.
What's the difference? I'd say the pollution is the only change.
I can imagine all the extra time I would have in my life without the bloody internet! Sighhh!!
Traveler:
Just be thankful to the CCP for not allowing you to waste more time on Facebook or YouTube.
I wouldn't fancy trying out death by a thousand cuts! 
I'd like to live in both at will,when i am tired of one, i'll have vacations in the other one for some time,then walk back again.
harryjohn:
nice one chenchan. however, can you really not choose one? just for distinguishing the difference, hope you can.
harryjohn:
Thanks, man. Me, too. I prefer the ancient China. It was supreme.
I would like to experience China 20 years ago, post-hunger but pre-cars/phones everywhere.
Actually, I'd say the answer is pretty obvious, when you think about it...
How many came here (completely by choice and free will... ie, not cos a company sent them), and what impressions did you have of China? What fantasies and ideas did you have?
And, where are all those fantasies and ideas now???
I'd say, many of us had this illusion based on preconceived ideas of a culture, a land, a philosophy that has long gone (if it ever existed).
(besides, if we lived in ancient China - what would they make of my white face??? 
)
Of course, how many want to live without our mod-cons (in China, or any other country all those years ago).
Old China, clean air, no pollution, open spaces, working in the Forbidden City would be great, (being a eunuch would be a problem though), although I'd have to have my laptop and internet! 
New China. Two reasons: in door plumbing and modern medicine.
BHGAL:
Ancient China: the outdoor plumbing was more reliable as was the traditional medicine and "pony express" had a reliable backup!
mattsm84:
I dunno man, I just feel better with real doctors and toilets.
China in the 15th century would be fascinating (Ming Dynasty I believe, though correct me if I'm wrong) when they were building all the crazy pieces of architecture and giant ships. I recently read a book called 1421: the year China discoered the world. Mostly its claiming that the Chinese were teh first to "discover" America/Australia etc with these huge ships captained by a guy named Zheng He. You get an interesting insight into China at that time though
Traveler:
So no doubt China own America and Australia, based on historical precedent? Perhaps even the whole world?
In all likelihood, Zheng He only went to SE Asia, India and the west coast of Africa. For centuries, this was all China claimed. It is only quite recently they have come forward with the "discovered the world" claim.
China used a map they originally claimed was drawn in 1418 to prove they were there first. The map magically appeared in 2007. They have not yet pushed this claim, after it was pointed out that they were claiming Zheng He drew the map BEFORE he made his voyage in 1421. However, they have come up with a number of discounted stories to explain their inconsistency.
The chief problem with the map was that it portrayed the world as a globe, a concept not known in Ming Dynasty China. It also portrayed China very crudely, unusual for the country that was supposedly drawing it. It left UK off the map all together (perhaps as a snub?) And China refuse to allow it to be independently tested to verify it's age.
The map is the only "evidence" that "supports" the 1421 theory. If the map is fake, as most historians believe, then the theory has no other foundation.
Shining_brow:
What?? Ming Dynasty China (1368-1644) didn't know the earth was round???
Yet, the Greeks (way back in 6thC BCE) did know this? (and mathematically proved it in 3C BCE)
Traveler:
I guess China just doesn't grasp some concepts as quickly as the Greeks did. The Greeks also developed the concept of democracy, but China still can't understand that one.
darkstar1:
I was merely saying that from what I learnt from that book about China during the Ming dynasty coupled with my already limited knowledge of the era that that was the time I time in Chinese history that I find interesting and that in answer to the original question that would be the era I'd live in. I'm fully aware of the Zheng He debate and the fact it is largely dismissed by many historians and made no claim supporting it, but simply referenced that particular book as a source of my knowledge regarding that period of Chinese history.
Traveler:
In fact, there is archeological evidence that Chinese fishermen regularly visited Australia from 500 years before the first Europeans (and possibly also America before Columbus). In Australia, it was the NW coast of Western Australia.
However, it appears that the Australian Aboriginals didn't always like the visitors, and often killed them. The fact that it was fishermen who made the discovery apparently doesn't sit well with China. Better to have a great hero like Zheng He, even if it isn't true.
Additionally, the fact that they were killed off also doesn't sit well with China. Better to have a conquering Admiral like Zheng He.
Old China. I would be a kung fu master who owns a restaurant! Lol
Ancient China and work for the emperor....or become the emperor itself
I'd like to live in both times time travel permitting
Ancient China looks good in movies, but your life expectance would be halved, your working hours doubled and most important, you wouldn't have internet.
I think I prefer to live in modern China. I can always go to the history museum from time to time
