During my first week in Beijing I stayed with a friend near Renmin University. On a clear day, the area was relatively clean and nice. Still lots of traffic, and large everything, but livable. My friend lives right across from Renmin University and next to a high end luxury mall. However, her subdivision is comprised mostly of 5-6 story apartment buildings and low single floor shacks strewn about. The area is generally fairly rundown and sort of resembles a shanty-town – but people living there seem happy. Immediately after stepping away from the gate of the housing area, high end restaurants, chain coffee joints, and luxury boutiques spring up. The contrast is striking and immediate.