My point isn't that these cities aren't fun and cosmopolitan, the point is that they also have very different rules for those who can't afford to be cosmopolitan. Do you really think a day laborer in Shanghai is treated the same as some billionaire? Do you think there aren't still sweatshops with children working everyday in these places? Just because you have access to modern niceties when you have wealth doesn't mean everyone does.

Not saying Medieval Europe was better, certainly even the wealthiest had more difficult lives than the wealthiest of today (modern technology and all), but the basics are similar ... "haves and have-nots" with very little in the way of a middle class in either modern China or Medieval Europe. I'm pretty sure I'd rather be a Medieval Nobleman than a Chinese short order cook...

You used Hong Kong in your earlier post as a comparison, which is why I pointed out that it is a poor example of the Chinese governance. It's sort of what I envision Ebu Dar becoming ... autonomous from the main rule, but still owing fealty to the Parent government. But I'd be willing to bet there will still be Seekers in Ebu Dar keeping the populace from over extending on their freedoms and making sure Beslan is remaining loyal to Tuon.