Ok, I’ve been to the southern provinces of China a lot. I know nothing about the north or west in China. But from Shenzhen up to Shanghai on the east coast, and out west thru Guangxi to the border with Vietnam I’ve been to a lot of rural villages as well as the big cities.
Rural areas are very empty - everyone moved into the cities for work- beautiful old villages lie empty. Those who remain do not have an easy life. My wife’s cousins live in such a village, while the rest of the family lives in Shanghai.
In China, your “city card” (ID from your city) determines much of your life. Want to take the fast train to another area? Not without your city card. Villagers don’t have one, and they also have no retirement.
My wife is eligible to retire next month- she paid into the system for many years, and turns 50. Other places require you to be 55 - depends on your city card.
The CCP is nearly powerless in the cities - but the local police and governments are extremely powerful. Mayors are like tribal chieftains, but they report to the Provincial authorities, who then in turn report to the CCP. Yes, this is where the books are cooked.
The west does not understand China at all…..
China doesn’t want to be understood, because uncertainty allows it a certain amount of power while it does what it wants anyway.