I don't think I've ever found a single book that encompasses a subject as completely as this one. I'm completely blown away by the scope and depth of this tome (which, at 250,000 words, is quite the read) and the insights it's given me.
Absolutely anything relevant to China from a business standpoint can be found in this book: from the culture and mannerisms of the provinces, to the ancient history and modern developments of its economic zones - everything's here. Now, merely being massive isn't necessary of sufficient to be a good book - however, this one does stand up on its own.
After reading this, I can far better understand the way that the Chinese do business, especially in government. The psychology of the people as well as the structure of the bureaucracy are explained well in this work. Also, the founding of several special economic zones in the Pearl River Delta Region is described in insanely meticulous detail.
However, the potability of the book is very much in question: it's very hard to read and there's a lot to get through. I admit it was a slog and I had very little fun with this book, but the journey is more than worth it.
As wonderful as the insights are, the difficult writing and sheer size of the work will be enough to dissuade most. But not you. You follow these reviews for a reason.
7/10