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Pleasant, if undemanding account of one journalists year in Beijing. Needham doesn't offer any great insight into the Chinese regime or the great changes currently taking place in China.

However, there are some nice portraits of ordinary Chinese living ordinary lives. These people (understandably) are more worried about getting on with their lives, their families and work than about any great change in the Chinese political climate.

Needham has is an enjoyable book none the less and recommended for anyone interested in expat life in present day China. Not too heavy and perfect reading for the beach or a long plane journey.