China is a huge country. I wonder how much of those differences are due to it's specific imperial history, and how much just to size ? I believe many of the bigger countries have huge regional social and cultural differences. From my point of view, I would think it also seems to be the case in the US ?I had to look up affluent. What a useful word!
This is a great observation. I keep wanting to make a disclaimer but keep thinking later is a better time.
Now is a good time with your comment.
China is big and diverse. What I have been to, and will go to, are all on the east side of China, which has the majority of population. It is also the affluent and more developed (western) part of China.
It is not necessary the touristy part of China though. All provinces of China have its touristy spot, especially the geographically west side. It is beautiful. I've yet to see most of it.
I recently talked to two Chinese who grew up in rural parts of Henan province. It is a poor province (also kinda on the east, but more inland). From Beijing Airport ( the closest international Airport, they are also living in the US now), they will have to take a slow train, three more busses to get back home. They also have worse healthcare there. Everything is harder for them in a way.
I already knew about regional differences, such as if you are born in Beijing, you get to go to the best university in China 10 times easier than a person born in Zhejiang. It still took me a long time to learn that I was born very privileged as well.
The take away is that I'm presenting here a very small portion of China. The regional difference is huge. You are also viewing it through my lens.
