Corruption at all levels seem to be an almost unavoidable part of Chinese society, however, I would argue that shady deals, kick-backs, the infamous little brown envelopes and money under the table are to be found in a much larger scale in the West than we imagine. The difference is that the Chinese have long since accepted that corruption exist, just like people in the 1920's, 30's and 40's accepted that they wouold have to pay "protection money" to the Mob. For that matter, corruption can work in many subtle ways. Rich alumni donating huge sums of cash to their alma mater and, for some reason, their dim-witted quarterback of a son just sort of happens to not go on academic probation because he spends less time at the library than with his head down a keg.
Corruption, IMHO, is to be found everywhere, some places are just more open about it.