How compatible is democracy with Chinese society and culture? Is the democratic West moving inexorably towards “paralysis and insolvency” while China aims for xiaokang, a state of modest wealth within a morally just society?

According to Chen Guangcheng, the blind human rights activist who sparked a potential diplomatic crisis between the US and China, the country "is in a state of historic transition and at this time, international concern is very important, but in the end the development of civil society in China, is going to depend on the Chinese people." 

As China prepares for its leadership transition in the coming weeks, The Global Journal will feature a photo reportage by Monika Fischer and Mathias Braschler. The Swiss duo traveled through 30 of China’s 33 provinces, independent cities and autonomous regions on a 30,000 km journey, in order to understand more the people who live in this fascinating and contradictory country.