More hoops there for foreign teachers to jump through.

Indeed!

And that is not the only thing there to be wary of...there are many! Esp. the local Chinese there are similar to say Russians in Siberia, a tough breed who tolerate no nonsense and were sent there to do tough work, it may pay to mind your Ps and Qs there, things don't operate the same way as the other provinces of China!!!

I have visited baotou and hohhot so mark my words when I say this, it is not meant in jest, not at all!

You can email me if you would like to know more.