Haha no I'm Malay and don't speak/read chinese I don't expect food to be a big problem unless the quality is really going to be bad. But I am preparing for the worst in terms of the pollution and air quality. Air filters seem to be the way to go in apartments but they're expensive...

I'm going there next month.

Anyone there?

What I've learned so far:
- lots of people everywhere all the time <- Yep. Not sure about Beijing, but population of Shanghai can be considered as equivalent to Malaysia. And there are many other cities in China that are like that.
- good apartments are expensive <- Even small apartments are expensive!
- learning Mandarin is a good idea <- It is not only a good idea, it's imperative.
- traffic is bad <- and you won't get used to the driving style for at least 5 months. It's horrible, much worse than kiasu malaysians, but of course, not as bad as India. You'll probably get a huge shock, sitting in a cab for the first time/trying to cross the street. By the way it's left hand drive.
- subways are good and cheap, crowded during rush hours but reasonable otherwise <- they are always on time (based on personal experience). and expect Malaysian ones to be a miniature toy, as over there, there are many routes (well connected), and it could be very confusing for the first timer, since majority of words/people to ask are in Chinese.
- cost of living is about the same as KL
- food quality can be bad <- it's just like KL, there are plenty good food, and plenty bad food. Just that China's land area is larger so you have more travelling to do.
- air pollution is bad, get a good quality air filter for the apartment and 3M facemasks <- good quality standalone water filter too in addition to the fixed rocket filter that might already be provided by your landlord.
- cycling is an option but could be dangerous depending on where you go <- cycling is dangerous anywhere on Chinese roads, except in and around your own housing estate/apartment area.
- there is double taxation if staying more than 183 days
- power supply is 220V/50Hz similar to Malaysia but the plugs are similar to Japan/Europe <- not a worry. the normal extension plugs (rack) are widely available and can support Malaysian plugheads. You can also buy a small portable converter head (approx RM30) that would allow you to bring your laptop anywhere.

- mistresses are expensive <- mistresses are potentially detrimental to family life and career development, if they become cunning and demand ransom money from you to shut up. "Massage centres" would be a better and safer alternative, if you know what I mean, lol sorry if you're offended.