Western Influence in Beijing You might picture Beijing as old and backward and if so you are in for a surprise. The place is looking more and more like a capitalist country with all its fatty trappings. If you get tired of Chinese food (I hope not!) then there is plenty of western fast food to unsettle your stomach. McDonald's has hundreds of restaurants around China. Chicken is a favorite Chinese food and KFC has done well in China. Subway has also found a niche in the Beijing fast food cuisine scene. Yes, Chinese like good ice cream! Ads in the Beijing Subway Western fashion is very popular with those that can afford the real thing. (those that can't go to the Silk Market!) What would Chairman Mao say about this?!! A car is a sign of success and prestige in China. Rolls Royce motor cars are not commonly seen on the roads of Beijing but they must be selling. Audi has made inroads into the Chinese market as has Volkswagon.