Since I've been in China, every semester I meet two or three Chinese that in private tell me that they hate China and want to leave. I was under the impression that China was not only the Middle Kingdom, but the Kingdom of Heaven. The concept of "face" demands that the Chinese appear content and satisfied, but Chinese, and especially educated Chinese, hate many of the shortcomings of this country like we ex-pats.
I tell them that when I am done in China, I am heading to South America. An area twice the size of China with 1/4 the people. Some want to join me. But the the Chinese dream is still Oceania, North America, and Europe. Good luck to those who can leave.
One the one hand we ex-pats may never be integrated into Chinese society, but aren't most of you happy that you can also leave at any time. I am.