The economic boom in China is affecting people s living standards dramatically. I visited China last summer, and together with my previous visit in 1993, there are many impressive things in my memory. During the 1993 visit, I noticed that people were wearing much more colorful and fashionable clothing than before. There are many new commercial department stores and large flea markets full of daily-use products. Although bicycles are still the main transportation for working people, taxis were lining up at airports and railroad stations, and buses were passing by, one after another.
Many families already have or are planning to purchase air conditioners for their homes.
Air conditioning did not used to be very popular before because the price was relatively high and there was not enough electricity supply for every family to have it. In addition, not very many products were available on the market. It seems that after 1990, air conditioning is getting more popular. Also, a telephone installation for university employees, who have been waiting a long time because the telephone company was too busy, was about ready. I also smelled Kentucky Fried Chicken and saw a big sign for California Beef Noodles on the street.