I also worked at EF Hohhot and to be honest, it just depends on the foreign staff that you are there with and that changes rapidly. People dont tend to stay there long and since the foreign staff will most likely be the only people you can directly communicate with, it is important that you like them. The city itself isn't much to talk about. There isnt much to do, and since communication is a prerequisite to participation in a society, you will be very limited on what you can do alone. Most of the staff just drank. A lot. It is important to note that I believe there is a strong correlation with dependancy issues and age in that environment. Another thing to consider is that your socil group will be the same as your work group. This can be problematic, as drama can affect your work. Chances is are that if you are interviewing you will be talking to the DOS and then he will refer you to a senior teacher. These people will be very biased, so use your own judgment when deciding if Hohhot is a good fit. You will also be starred at a ton. This gets really annoying and can make you feel uncomfortable frequently. I would recommend going to another city that has a higher foreign population. You will most likley have a better time.

Can't quite agree with all your points, when you live in China, you have a responsibility to learn Chinese, so that you can directly communicate with others. I wouldn't recommend the better known cities because they are expensive, full of the dickhead types of foreigners and the employers tend to give you a far worse deal.

Anyway, not been to Hohhot myself, but have previously banged a couple of girls from there on many an occasion , such fond memories give me a slightly bias view of the place, lol.