I used to suggest that Crystal bin when people were looking for a larger one, but I think it was Vectis pointed out that the 145 litre really useful box is a much better size and greater floor area - it's also much better made. It's not cheap though - cheaper than some cages though. The crystal bin is a good length - it's a shame it's a bit narrow - it sounds ok but as the base slopes in it is a bit narrow - I still think it could be a good bin cage because maybe the length makes up for it.
The advantage of the 145l rub bin is the depth - deeper than most cages at 62cm externally and 54.5cm internally.
So it's 81 x 62 cm externally which is a good size and floor area - most bins don't quote the internal measurements.
I haven't had a Chinese - some say they are a very active species and need a lot of space but as Fluffagrams pointed out they can vary in personality. Personally I would always go bigger, if you have the space, because as you say it's easier to make a larger cage "smaller" than upgrade and have the stress of a cage change for the hamster too. One way of making it smaller is to fill a third of it with deep bedding as a digging area. Or fill it full of little cardboard boxes and other floor toys so it has the floor area but is also quite "full" and not too exposed.
I have also not had a bin cage, but have found I prefer barred cages to tank style cages - that may depend on your own personal preference. I like the side access on barred cages (although you could fix a door to a bin cage possibly).
Cypher has had some amazing set ups for Chinese hamsters and they do like to climb and have space upwards as well as floorspace (although not too high).
As they are ok with 1cm bar spacing then you'd have a pick of cages. Personally I'd go with a 100cm cage - something like the Alexander cage (possibly with just one shelf in) or the Savic Hamster Plaza - and set it up with different levels (which are easy to attach to bars) and hammocks. I believe there isn't the problem of chewing of hammocks with chinesies but I may be wrong!
But both those cages cost about £70 and the RUB bin is about £43. I think for activity and variety though, a cage would be good for a chinese - unless you particular prefer bins. The Barney cage is less expensive at £45 and might also be a good option - it's deeper and a bit bulkier than the other two cages if there are space considerations (just sticks out further). The Alaska is a cheap option at about £34 and it's a good basic cage for a hamster but again you may find you want to upgrade.
Also if you do like tank style cages and don't mind a bit of diy there is the detolf - gives a lot of floor space for activity and running - although not much height - but with the length you could create different levels and climbing areas.
If it was me I would go with
1) Savic plaza (a kind of 100cm Hamster Heaven but taller so needs good depth of substrate to cushion falls).
2) Detolf (although I prefer barred cages the size makes accessibilty good I reckon)
3) Barney cage
4) Hamster Heaven with all the plastic contents removed and the tubes blocked off
I just think with a cage you could attach so much to the bars and roof - have good interaction via a side door and the ventilation is very good.
Here are some links
145 l rub bin - maybe cheaper elsewhere
Go Shopping - Really Useful Boxes - 145 litre Really Useful Box
Savic Hamster Plaza 100cm x 50cm - has a nice big front door and no doors in the roof so all the roof can be used for attaching things.
http://www.petsathome.com/webapp/wcs...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
Detolf from Ikea (tipped on its side with the door left off - needs two lids making)
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ha...w=1047&bih=463
Barney Cage - 100cm ish by 54 cm
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ba...w=1047&bih=463
https://www.google.co.uk/search?biw=....0.6xg0XPv2pdA
With a bigger cage you could have two wheels or a wheel and a flying saucer and more space for enrichment - but something like the Hamster Heaven should be fine. Like you though I'd be concerned about not wanting to upgrade again. I started with something the size fo the Hamster Heaven for our Syrian and wished straight away I had gone for a 100cm cage! Our Robo is very happy in the 80x50 Savic cage (virtually identical to the Hamster Heaven but smaller bar spacing) but I know he would appreciate more space as well!