The China of today is nothing like the China of thirty or forty years ago. I have travelled extensively in China and cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing are very western in character. The streets are full of colour the shops advertise familiar brand names. There is a free enterprise culture and many people are starting up their own businesses.
On the other hand the government can be very intolerant of criticism which it views as part of its role in maintaining public order. Most Chinese accept this and have little to be critical about. The government has brought them peace and prosperity and they appreciate that. There is very little rancour in Chinese politics and little desire for change. Life is pretty good for most Chinese and is getting better.