Lost on Planet China

J. Maarten Troost travels through a rapidly industrializing China during the lead-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He navigates a landscape defined by massive urban density, environmental degradation, and the lingering influence of Mao Zedong. The narrative follows his encounters with local delicacies like fried insects, the complexities of the Mandarin language, and the sheer scale of the Three Gorges Dam. Troost documents the friction between ancient cultural traditions and the frantic pace of modern capitalism while visiting locations ranging from the humid streets of Guangzhou to the high altitudes of Tibet.

This book serves readers interested in cultural observations and the realities of solo international travel. It attracts those who want an unvarnished look at the social and logistical challenges of visiting a superpower in flux. Readers gain a practical understanding of Chinese history, regional demographics, and the environmental stakes of globalization. They walk away with a sense of the immense physical and social variety found across the provinces, stripped of conventional tourist tropes.

Outward-looking and clear-cut; an easy read.

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