Beijingers richer but unhappier

Burden of maintaining living standard leaves some members of the middle class disillusioned

The tens of thousands of Beijingers who are part of the city's growing middle class are developing ever higher expectations in terms of their standard of living, but reaching and maintaining these standards is sucking the joy out of life for an increasing number of them.

Few would doubt that with an annual income of 500,000 yuan ($73,206) Liu Chunhua has the means to lead a privileged life in Beijing. However there aren't many traces of affluence at her home.