Expatatriate Gary Li [Photo provided to China Daily]

Briton Gary Li, 31, says he loves the long history of China, especially that of Beijing. He was born in Beijing but grew up in the United Kingdom, and relocated to the Chinese capital in 2013 with his consultancy firm. On coming here, he was surprised by how friendly the locals were and the great sense of community, he says.

"I was disappointed however by the bureaucracy involved in everyday things, such as a simple bank transfer or getting some 'chops' done for an official document," Li says.

China in many respects looks like a standard Western country, especially going by the large cities. But it doesn't take long before you realize the country is still developing. While the infrastructure is very much in place here, the service sector's "software" still has some way to go before it gets better, he adds.