i dont want to live on a campus,

why not?

I think most cities especially developing ones in china are going have those big dirty trucks and stuff, but if you have ever been in beijing on a bad day, imagine that cloud of smoke being the general air, and then any other vehicles kicking stuff up at you would be an added dose. judging by the air quality indexes i've looked at, as far as china goes its amongst the best.

i don't want to live on campus mainly because i don't want to live at work.

i like to keep my social life separate and private, not that im much of a party animal at all but i want to be able to have guests around, have parties, come and go at any hour, and i also want to be located somewhere not so far from where everything happens.

If you can read, try 58.com

It is really important to find out where you are going to work.

Worst case scenario - You get a place to live in the north, at Beichen. You get a job on a campus in Chenggong (far south). You could be looking at a 2 hour plus commute each way, allowing for bus transfers and traffic.
This is not BJ with its network of Metro train lines.
Bear in mind that most universities start class at 8am. Because journey times are not reliable, you will need to set off extra early. Teachers cannot be late.

I have lived off campus in the past, and had a one hour commute. I ended up staying on campus the night before teaching. If it were me, I would re-consider living on campus, and commuting to my social life.