Hi, i've been studying Chinese (Mandarin) at the Taipei Language Institute for the last 2 years. It's a great school that focuses more on speaking and listening. This will have you communicating with people on the street fairly soon. Check out this link:
http://mandarinhostel.com/studyingchinese.htm
I don't know much about the life in China, but Taipei I can say is very easy going and convenient. It's also filled with great people whom you can make friends with and practise your Chinese. You may stay a lot longer than you plan!