Foreword

This book has touched and moved me in many ways. The people of China welcomed me with warmth and genuine cordiality They shared their homes, guided me to their favourite restaurants, told me about markets, referred me to other, valuable contacts; some even shared precious crops from their small private fields. As I travelled to almost every region of China, to well-known cities as well as remote farm villages, I was able to grasp a sense of history, the culture, and the lives of the people. After my experiences during visits over the past two years, I eagerly anticipate future trips to this huge and complex nation.