[josai]

Hm, I've had people tell me that they prefer uber (or the other app you mentioned - i couldn't remember its name) because the cars tend to be better, and with better air filtering. Maybe that gave me the impression it's more popular than it actually is.

Certainly I'd spend a couple bucks more to sit for an hour (or more!) in an audi or VW over a hyundai..

[seanmcdirmid]

Uber is completely off the radar right now, I think they only service some parts of chaoyang even, I do most of my travel from haidian to chaoyang. Didi zhuanche offers better cars, but not Audi (maybe you are thinking of Shanghai?)...at best a VW or Buick.

Taxi is quite ok when the air is really bad. You can only filter so much air in a car, and it's not like they are putting in giant HEPA filters. The main problem I have is sleeping with the window closed when the air is bad...even with the air filter going, it is very hard to sleep soundly.

[josai]

Hey, thanks for sharing your local experience. I've only visited! I thought uber black runs audis in BJ but I only heard that from a friend. Maybe I or he was confused.

Out of interest, why do you have issues sleeping with the window closed? Frankly, it would be extremely rare for me to sleep with the windows open no matter where I am.

[seanmcdirmid]

Probably because as a Seattleite, it's what I'm used to (no ac or heat needed). Chinese people think I'm nuts, especially when we have to share rooms on trips. Couple that with preferred western sleeping temperatures being much lower than Asian ones...it leads to conflict.