I make this friend! Actually I have been here for four years. It's a small, quiet, and peaceful place, especially good for study, but as you knew, it's not a right place for someone. Yes, as you said, Chinese here doesn't have enough social activities because of tough studies, relatively closed society here, etc. Yes, although I think most people here are "normal" :-), your suggestion are very important, we cann't close ourselves, but need to more open and make friends here.
I use www.pbase.com to upload photo, it's a very good site. But its trial account doesn't support direct link (means picture can be shown in the post directly, but not the link), which requires a standard account (about $25/year). If you find a website support direct link, then add the following sentence in your post (without ""), it will show your picture:
""
I think you may find more help in WXC photography forum.
Hopefully could visit your city soon!
Best wishes!
128197