Discover what Chinese life is like today.

Chinese life is changing rapidly for so many people. Chinese society has changed so much in the last few decades.

China is a country in a hurry! You can see it everywhere.

You will see massive construction everywhere in Sichuan, particularly in the cities.

For example, in Chongqing, there are literally hundreds of cranes dotting the skyline.

Hundreds of apartment blocks are being built as people flock to the city in search of work and a better life.

The standard of living is often better for these people than in the country.

For many people Chinese society in the large cities revolves around living in apartments, working long hours and socialising with family and friends.

The apartments are small but adequate.

Children and young adults tend to live at home with parents and often grandparents.

In the big Sichuan cities, you will see the Chinese use public space to a maximum.

They will practise Tai-Chi and dance in public squares.

They will set up tables on the footpath and play Mahjong or card games.

The standard of living for many people has improved, particularly in the cities. However, it is still far below what we enjoy in the West.

The standard of living in the country is much lower. The Chinese middle class is about 300 million people and doing very nicely.

However, many people particularly in rural areas, have a way to go.

When we visit China we see the modern cities and tend to forget many people who live in the rural areas.

Their life, though better, is still difficult.

The Chinese government recognises the need to improve living standards there too and make Chinese society more equal.

A lot has been done such as massive infrastructure programs such as the Three Gorges Dam project near Chongqing to provide work.

Also many Chinese have migrated from the rural areas to the cities like Chongqing and Chengdu where they earn more money.

Often they send some money back to family in the country side. This is a characteristic of Chinese society - looking after and supporting family and relatives.

The family unit and friendship is strong.

People socialise together on the street and in restaurants to enrich their sometimes drab lives. Dancing in public areas and playing majhong or cards on footpaths is very popular.

This picture was taken at Songji which is a small rural town in Chongqing province.

Here many people are playing cards in a Chinese tea-house.

I saw this so often in Sichuan - people in restaurants and tea-houses sitting there eating, drinking and playing games.

Chinese life is certainly interesting to observe.