It's not a easy job to get own house in China
I am sharing a true story of Chinese Couple
When he lived in China, he often took the fast train between Shanghai and Beijing. Along the way, we passed through many villages and small towns, and he often thought “wouldn’t it be idyllic to own a place in one of these?”
There is something very peaceful about the Chinese countryside. It can be a bit simple, but that has its own appeal. Much of it reminds me of parts of Latin America, but he have always felt worlds safer in China.
He imagine many houses in China would be very easy to buy and own. They are often older, and don’t have any complicated wiring or other connection to any grids. He might have some Chinese vehicle registered there, perhaps a BJ212, do up the place a little (there are IKEAs in Beijing and Shanghai), and have a place in China He could go and spend time in every now and then. Perhaps a hundred or so kilometres outside a place like Wuxi or Shanghai, so that one could go into town every now and then.
His wife never liked the idea. She is Chinese, from Beijing, and considers life in a little village in China as entirely undesirable. He can understand that. Beijing is amazing, with all its diversions and amenities. But for me, who likes South America, villages, and wilderness, it’s certainly an idea that holds a certain fascination. If a house like that were available for very little money, I’d be very tempted.
To illustrate the kinds of surroundings she is talking about, and the artistic appeal they have for me:
It’s not a place someone from China would consider desirable. Most would prefer a newer city apartment in a landscaped compound, surrounded by upscale restaurants and in walking distance of the metro. These things cost a fortune, of course.
His wife always shakes her head at my China photos, saying “oh my… why do you always photograph all that ugly, old stuff?” He think it looks much more interesting than some show home with a chain restaurant next to it.
For me as an artistically inclined European, being able to retreat to a place like this every now and then could be nice. Especially if the house is cosy inside, which I could probably make happen. Some good insulation, air conditioning, new bathroom and kitchen, plenty of great furniture and decoration… lovely.
And when you step outside, there’s that other, very authentic world.
Thanks for Readig
Picture Source Wikipedia
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