Sorry to say, I haven't heard of Hampson, but I worked for several English training centers during the time I was in China (2003-2008). With one exception, EVERY training center I worked in was housed within very impressive, high-rent skyscrapers (chinese call them "mansions") in that particular city. Cosmetics are everything when selling ESL classes to adults (and/or parents). All of them also had completely glass-encased classrooms and offices, so that prospective students could see the foreigners working inside -- a special kind of marketing technique (a different kind of zoo). These centers look impressive but can become very hot during the summer months. So much money is invested in the facility, but precious little in teaching resources and support.

From the pay rate you are describing, I'm a bit confused. Are you interviewing for full time or part-time position? If you can clarify that for me, perhaps I can offer some additional, experiential information and/or advise. While like you, I disagree with the person's opinion about "Beijing rate," I will tell you that during the time I was in China, salaries were always in decline. When I first arrived in 2003, the common, full time monthly rate for 20-25 classes per week was 8000-9000RMB (with basically no negotitaion required), plus free housing. By 2005-06, the same contract was offering 6000-6500 monthly, no housing, but a small housing allowance.