17:50
@CaptainBohemian I see, you've merely visited Beijing. Living there is a different story. It is a megacity with a blooming international life, however as a capital of a communist country it is dominated by politics and there is some tension against foreigners. Therefore you must find a foreigner "bubble" in order to get to know the area better. Actually the restaurants in Beijing are stunning, which I had the chance of visiting several times over with my lab mates. On my own I was restricted.
Mostly to canteen food, 7/11 etc. Which is cheap and basic, as you describe. You found Beijing boring with no shops at night because there are actually very few shops facing the streets, which is an idiosyncrasy of that city. The numerous, actual shops work inside malls, galleries, and markets. Anyways, Beijing is interesting, but by far not my favourite spot in China. Better leave it for the money-diggers.
@Michael Good to know you found my advice useful. I hope to have helped you, and you will only find this out in the longer run. I wish I had done like you and chosen to take HK instead of mainland China. I think life and work conditions would've been so much better. Anyways, enjoy your opportunity, and don't miss the chance of visiting Macao and Taiwan.
