After living in Taipei for 10 years, Troy Parfitt sets out on an epic journey to test the theory that China is ascending toward a position of global hegemony. The result is a whirlwind tour of the Chinese world that enlightens, astonishes, and entertains. Parfitt is the perfect China tour guide-the steward of an intimate knowledge of the nation's history, culture, and psyche yet not serving any interest other than an investigative one.