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However, the biennial publication (or its associated and homonymous website) is not overtly commercial. The subtitle of the book (in fact, structured more like a magazine) clearly points to broader horizons: “Ecological Rural Development—An Information Bridge China-Europe”. In the preface, the stated book's purpose is to “contribute to a mutual understanding between the Chinese and the Westerners, namely the Europeans” in two “decisive areas”: the role of the countryside in China , and positive role China can perform globally in terms of ecological development. In fact, the publication can be understood as a political statement of faith and commitment to the subjects it addresses and as a plea for cooperation between Europe and China.
Its contents touches on issues related not only directly to the subjects mentioned before, but also on broader themes such as sustainable communities, village self-governance and renewable energies. It takes sometimes a somewhat proselytizing and self-righteous style, when not ingratiating to the Chinese authorities (an issue of obvious commercial interest given the company's business line). However, some of articles read as case studies of practical experiences or as general introductions to the development of some particular subjects in China , which makes them a helpful source of information for those less familiar with the issues. That is, in particular, the case with a few articles dealing with the promotion and development of subjects which, while relating to the overall subject of sustainable communities, are as diverse as organic food production, ecological agriculture, biological control of pests, renewable energies or democratic development at the village level. They will provide the reader with a general overview of the current state of these issues in China , as well as some bibliographic references for those willing to pursue their inquiries further.
The wealth of photos from the rural landscape of China and its villages are in themselves worth browsing, with a long section dedicated to the Yangshuo region that would not be out of place in a travel magazine. If the portrayed villagers are as lyrical about their lifestyle as sometimes the authors appear to be, that's altogether another question.
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