Chinese are very insular, it's true. I've found them uptight and awkward outside their comfort zone. It seems they either speak English fluently or not at all. Here in Yilan County, Taiwan, most people don't have exposure to foreigners. People expect me to know Chinese, and get annoyed by the fact that I don't understand a single word. Most Taiwanese are introverted and do not notice strangers on the street, which is different from Southeast Asian countries where I catch the eye of almost everyone passing by. Still, you'd have to be blind not to notice that some girls have a thing for white guys here, even a grumpy bearded hermit like myself.
So far, Taiwan has cost me 31-33% more than Southeast Asia. I'd say it's absolutely worth it as a geomaxxing destination, especially if you are willing to learn a bit of Chinese.