I would never advise any FT to slum it at el cheapo Chinese restaurants. No need for that.

China is on its knees recruiting FTs for state-run establishments, these days. If he is shown a pigsty, which I doubt will be the case in Northern China, he can ask the FAO to get it cleaned. Yep, he should buy a bottle of rye and 200 smokes at the duty-free before departing America. Presenting one to the FAO and the other to his Head of Department will likely ensure that any problems he reports in the future will be dealt with promptly and efficiently.

I have carefully read all responses. Thanks a million to y'all!

I was expecting to have to shell out 1,500 to 2,500 rmb a month to live my kinda life in North China. I was wrong. I think I'll be rockin on about 800 without needing to visit greasy spoons to live so cheap.

I'll be buying rye and smokes at the duty-free, also Hershey's chocolate for an additional Chinese official before flying out.