A survey of personal finances in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou reveals that Beijing citizens are the most cautious with their money. While inhabitants of Shanghai strike a balance between income and risk, Guangzhou citizens favor highly risky investments.

People in Beijing prefer not to take risks. Many have savings in the bank, and only invest in value-assured goods such as gold.

Shanghai citizens are shown to be good at pinching the pennies and they prefer short-term investments.

In contrast, Guangzhou citizens like to run a risk at everything from buying lottery to investing in real estate and get-rich-quick schemes.

(CRI January 5, 2005)