| Kiuas Kustannus, 2018, 583 p.|

In 2005, Doctor of Technology and deep‑ecological thinker Eero Paloheimo embarked on a bold project that might influence the future of the entire planet. He set out to design and build an eco‑city in China, a place where everyday life and the theories of ecological living would meet in practice. The city was intended to become a laboratory of the future: transport would be electric, all production circular, energy non‑polluting, and water problems solved. In China, everything seemed possible — the fatal mistakes made in Western countries could still be avoided there, and vital projects would not be slowed down by endless debate and meetings. But what ultimately became of the project?

Paloheimo’s eleventh book, *A Chinese Story*, is a precise account of an eco‑city initiative that spanned more than a decade. He describes Chinese society and mentality, which differ strikingly from what people in the West are accustomed to. Alongside the reckoning of the eco‑city project, the book offers a wealth of fascinating — and at times absurd — depictions of both Finnish and Chinese bureaucracy, business life, everyday routines, politics, and urban and rural living. Paloheimo shows how power struggles can easily ruin even the noblest intentions.

The core message of *A Chinese Story* is serious: the fate of the planet hinges on a sweeping technological revolution that must take place quickly and across all sectors of society.