EDITOR'S LETTER

China's Big Cheeses, Mining Mess, Domestic Disorder, and Self-help

You can't open a newspaper or turn on a TV in China without hearing about the rise of China, but, it's easy to forget that China is a changed nation where successes aren't simply dictated by the central authorities anymore. Today, there are any number of Chinese citizens changing the world in constructive and fascinating ways—scientists, entrepreneurs, journalists, activists, and so many more. This issue, we discuss six very special Chinese personalities that have helped shape the modern world and how people think about the Middle Kingdom (see page 28). There's Wu Changhua, helping to put actions to climate change grandstanding; there's the famous Jack Ma and his Alibaba empire; there's Wang Jianlin, China's property king; there's Chen Guangbiao, the clown prince of Chinese philanthropy; there's journalist Hu Shuli, dubbed China's most dangerous woman; and there's scientist Yuan Longping, whose contribution to the human race has been almost indescribably important. All of these people have made—or are going to make—essential contributions to society at large and as such play a role in how the world sees China and how China sees itself.

Besides that, we have a wealth of interesting features for you to enjoy this issue, including a fascinating piece on gold mining in China (see page 42). Few industries in China have seen the rapid expansion that gold mining has experienced, and the rapid expansion has led to the nation becoming the world's premier producer and consumer of gold. But, China's insatiable cultural lust for gold comes at a price. Mining is a dangerous business, a business where one of the most stable and safe chemicals used for micro-gold collection is one of the most dangerous poisons in the world. Everything from cyanide to mercury plays a role, but, for now, it's a price China is willing to pay—all for that cool, sweet luster of gold.

In “Violence on the Home Front” (see page 36), Carlos Ottery takes a look at domestic violence in China and how both the concept and legislation surrounding this horrif i c act has changed over the years. Domestic violence is still frighteningly common, and there are few places women can turn for help. But, times are changing and China is changing with it; as activism and public awareness increase, the days of people sitting idly by may soon be at an end. Even though this problem can at times seem insurmountable, through the courage of brave women willing to speak out, hope shines through.

Self-help books are a growing facet of a rapidly changing society, and perhaps in China more than anywhere on earth, self-help is booming. China is obsessed with wealth, status, and a burgeoning view of the self, so these types of books provide an outlet that is diff i cult to fi nd elsewhere. Ginger Huang looks at how these books are changing minds and lives and why China is so obsessed with this type of literature in “Selling Self-Help” (see page 48).

But, if you're looking for a bit more culture, check out Bookmark (see page 84) to learn about an oft-overlooked Chinese masterpiece of literature where gods pit themselves against men, and one of the greatest dynasties in Chinese history is brought down by a dirty poem. If you're craving science fi ction rather than ancient literature, check out Dragon's Digest (see page 12) for three very different sci-f i tales that will keep you guessing. If your cultural tastes lean toward the visual, check out Gallery (see page 58) for a look at work from artists Ye Funa and Ma Liang. For photography, satiate your sweet tooth with a look at how sugar is made (see page 18) or check out On the Road (see page 62) for a foodie's journey to Chengdu. If you're still hungry, move on over to Chi Le Ma (see page 82) to learn how to make some delectable fenzhengrou.

This will be TWOC's last issue this year, but we'll be back in the new year with new columns, new writers, and new stories to tell. Keep up to date with us on theworldofchinese.com, and keep yourself warm.

Managing Editor

Tyler Roney