Generation Gap: What Do You Dislike About Living in Beijing?

By Yuka Hayashi

'Generation Gap' is a monthly series where we ask two Beijingers from two different generations their thoughts on a current issue. This time we ask Zhang, 27, and Meng, 53, about living in Beijing.

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What do you dislike about living in Beijing?

Zhang, 27

I don’t like the fact that I’m constantly putting on so much weight because of Waimai [food delivery]. Sure, I could control myself if I wanted to, but it’s just too convenient and fun choosing between all the yummy options. Ordering Waimai – all the time – is my guilty pleasure, but the guilt outweighs the pleasure these days. That’s why I sometimes wish the Waimai apps on my phone would automatically delete themselves when I feel like ordering one. [Laughs].”

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Meng, 53

Air pollution, for sure! It makes me cough so much and it also irritates my asthma, especially during wintertime. Not only does it negatively impact my health, but it also affects my mood and how I’m feeling that day. The only thing I feel when it’s polluted outside is languor. But I guess summertime in Beijing is pretty good. It’s hardly polluted, and besides, I mostly just stay indoors with the AC on, so the air never really affects me.

Photo by Li Jianguo

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