Some days, I believe Beijing is just sitting in its own bubble (figuratively as well as the smog). Beijing does what it wants, when it wants, how it wants, regardless of what is the norm. Yet at the same time this city is constantly positioning itself and maintaining an image and outward display to minimize any negative portrayal. It’s a wire-act of really not caring what outsiders think, but maintaining enough credibility and passion within China that you can get away with this attitude.