This is the story of an unique venture. Between March 2009 and November 2011 Swedish China veteran Lars Ellström walked from Beijing to Kashgar in Central Asia, more than 5,000 kilometres through poor villages and newly built boomtowns. Lars has been engaged with China and East Asia for most of his life. As a student, diplomat, banker, financial expert and business consultant he strived to obtain an understanding of life and society in this part of the world. His trek represents both a summing-up of experiences and an effort to reach deeper insights. From the account of his trek we get to know the changing landscapes and listen to the people he met: farmers, shepherds, entrepreneurs, drivers, Christians, Muslims, school children, teachers and descendants of Genghis Khan. Thanks to his fluency in Chinese and deep knowledge of China’s history and society, Ellström has been able to put his observations in a wider and often provocative perspectives. The image of China that Ellström presents contrasts with much of today’s superficial reportage. The lecture will be based on his recent book about the experience.