According to China Review News on December 17, 2010, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) "Social Blue Book" reported that both urban and rural populations in China, especially in small towns, feel their overall satisfaction with life has declined. On the same day, the People’s Bank of China announced that, in the fourth quarter, nearly 74% of residents thought prices were too high. Over 70% of residents thought that apartment prices were too high. Measurable satisfaction is at its lowest point in 11 years.
“In the first three quarters of 2010, urban residents had per capita disposable incomes of 14,334 yuan, an increase of 7.5% (over the previous year). Rural residents had per capita incomes of 4,869 yuan, an increase of 9.7%." However, "not only are the growth rates of urban and rural residents’ income much lower than the growth of revenue; they are also lower than the GDP growth rate.”
Source: China Review News, December 17, 2010
http://gb.chinareviewnews.com/doc/1015/4/0/5/101540502.html?coluid=53&kindid=0&docid=101540502&mdate=1217085608