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Journey to the West: A Long March from Eastern Dream to Western Reality

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Biao Wang's memoir 'JOURNEY TO THE WEST' is a fascinating account of the passage of a poor boy from a small, impoverished rural Chinese village to a brilliant, international commercial career and will read as a truly inspiring example of what can be achieved from the least promising background through determination and imagination.

A potted history of modern China leads seamlessly into the story of a young man who, with a combination of remarkable foresight, dedication and courage, has built several successful businesses and established himself at a remarkably young age as a leader in international commercial co-operation.

Here is somebody who has grasped life eagerly, and what his buoyant tale demonstrates is the importance of seeing opportunity and unhesitatingly pursuing it; the story bursts with energy and practical wisdom without any sense of self-importance, whilst taking us stage by stage through Biao's interesting life. From his relatively carefree, if impoverished, childhood in a small village, he takes us, unhurriedly through his education and early struggles, to his great leap forward when he bravely sets out for the unknown world of England, determined to immerse himself in its culture rather than retreating into the comfortable familiarity of his compatriots, seizing opportunities as they arise, always aware of his place in the wider scheme of things.

The narrative offers an intriguing picture of life in contemporary China, and on the way explains much about the Chinese character and attitudes. His insights into what makes for success are almost incidental as we follow his journey from grinding poverty to commercial achievement. Those from similar backgrounds in any part of the world can take courage from this eloquent account of the power of determination; readers anywhere can share in his infectious enthusiasm for life and all the opportunities it offers.

“JOURNEY TO THE WEST” is also a timely reminder, at a time when the emerging power of China is seen as a threat to the West, that we are all one species, with the same needs and desires, as through his storytelling Biao Wang gives China and the Chinese a human face.

“JOURNEY TO THE WEST” is a cultural bridge as well as a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing read.

As Biao Wang most eloquently says “having travelled the world and witnessed many inequalities and the problems such different starting blocks can bring, if I’ve learned anything, it is that success is always possible, whatever your situation and however your life begins.”

So, fasten your seat belts and take note as you travel from one extraordinary chapter to another – it should be an inspiration to us all.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2020

6 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read

About the author

Biao Wang

1 book36 followers
Biao believes his journey from boyhood in an impoverished rural Chinese village to an international business career in the UK can inspire others and show what can be achieved through sheer determination and imagination and regardless of your background.

Biao was determined to forge his own path in life. This took him away from life in a remote poor farming community, but he never lost sight of the debt he owed to the many people who helped him on his way. He is keen to share the importance of grasping every opportunity and unhesitatingly pursuing it, which he demonstrated when he set out for the unknown world of England.

He loves the opportunity that writing this book has given him to share his unique experiences and anecdotes of entering the modern world. His descriptions of forging his now global career are both frank and often funny, with heart-warming narratives of his dealings with the people and situations that helped him shape his life.

Exploring new ideas, and new thoughts can be so rewarding and Biao loves to communicate, be it in English or Mandarin. When he first arrived in the UK, he discovered how different society was compared to back home in China, but having now spent nearly 20 years in England he realises that in fact there is so little difference once you get to know your neighbour. And when there is a difference it usually brings a smile to your face – a great example being when he found out on a visit to London’s East End that the Cockney slang phrase ‘My Old China’ actually means ‘my old mate’!

Biao’s main desire is to share his experience of what one can achieve with a lot of hard work, supported by good friends, a loving family and a determination to succeed, and, most importantly, share that success with others.

The Confucius Institute in London and LSE invited Biao to do a book launch of his book as part of their Chinese New Year celebration in March 2021. Here is the link to his talk: https://youtu.be/4VXV8eUsPjk

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5 stars
89 (62%)
4 stars
20 (13%)
3 stars
24 (16%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
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6 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Kinga.
537 reviews2,734 followers
May 11, 2021
Is it ok for me to give one star to a book I have never read ?
No.

Is it ok for the author to use tons of fake accounts to vote for this book on tons of lists, bringing it to the top of various lists and spoiling the integrity of the lists and the fun for everyone?

Also no.

I have counted them and this person had their multiple sock puppet accounts vote on freaking 179 lists.

(Go to the book page and see all the lists the book is miraculously featured on. Then click on those lists, and when you click on who voted for the said book you will see a ton of people who have only shelved ONE book. This book. Of course all those profiles are created recently.

It's not outside of the realm of possibility, these are all his actual friends whom he told to register on GR and do this. I guess I could get 30-40 friends to do something like that but I wouldn't because it will certainly backfire.

Here is a little tip for the author: you want a real engagement from goodreads users? Become an active reader yourself. Write reviews, make friends in this community. I have seen books from unknown, self-published author blow up on here due to a real buzz. Not fake one like this. No one likes this shit.)

Almost every single review of this book is from an account that has only rated one book - this one. Except for this guy who gave Barack Obama's memoir 2 stars, but 5 stars to this book. Lol.

And then they went and spammed all the lists with this. Genius marketing strategy.

OMG, so since I posted this review, suddenly all those empty accounts who only had one book listed since their creation, started voraciously reading books and have suddenly rated all kinds of books in the last hour. I'm done with this dude.
22 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2021
Inspirational

A truly inspirational book which demonstrates that the will to succeed is great that your background where you came from.
Profile Image for Phil Jones.
3 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2021
Biao Wang’s memoir “Journey to the West” is a fascinating account of the passage of a boy from a small, impoverished rural Chinese village to a brilliant, international commercial career and will read as a truly inspiring example of what can be achieved from the least promising background through determination and imagination.

A potted history of modern China leads seamlessly into the story of a young man who, with a combination of remarkable foresight, dedication and courage, has built several successful businesses and established himself at a remarkably young age as a leader in international commercial co-operation.

Blessed with a selfless mother and sister, Biao determined to forge his own way forward from life in a remote and struggling farming village, through the various challenges which faced him, always carried forward by his resolute vision. Throughout his journey, he never loses sight of the debt which he owes to the many people who helped him on his way, and the reader is constantly reminded of the honesty, integrity and perspective which has clearly informed his brave decisions.

Here is somebody who has grasped life eagerly, and what his buoyant tale demonstrates is the importance of seeing opportunity and unhesitatingly pursuing it; the story bursts with energy and practical wisdom without any sense of self-importance, whilst taking us stage by stage through Biao’s interesting life. From his relatively carefree, if impoverished, childhood in a small village, he takes us, unhurriedly through his education and early struggles, to his great leap forward when he bravely sets out for the unknown world of England, determined to immerse himself in its culture rather than retreating into the comfortable familiarity of his compatriots, seizing opportunities as they arise, always aware of his place in the wider scheme of things.

The narrative offers an intriguing picture of life in contemporary China, and on the way explains much about the Chinese character and attitudes. His insights into what makes for success are almost incidental as we follow his journey from grinding poverty to commercial achievement. Those from similar backgrounds in any part of the world can take courage from this eloquent account of the power of determination; readers anywhere can share in his infectious enthusiasm for life and all the opportunities it offers.
Profile Image for Roger Green.
1 review2 followers
January 28, 2021
A testament to the power of determination and the immense value of friendships.

For readers looking for inspiration in times of uncertainty, “JOURNEY TO THE WEST” provides a blueprint for sticking to a seemingly impossible ambition and getting past the winning post. With a focus on ‘lessons learnt’, Wang draws conclusions from the formative events in his life, which gradually emerge as a useful guide to avoiding life’s pitfalls and maximising the chances of success. His story demonstrates how, with a strong sense of direction and friends by your side, barriers to success can be overcome.

“JOURNEY TO THE WEST” is also a timely reminder, at a time when the emerging power of China is seen as a threat to the West, that we are all one species, with the same needs and desires, as through his storytelling Biao Wang gives China and the Chinese a human face.

All in all, it’s a fascinating read. Biao Wang tells a terrific story, his informal chatty style will quickly draw the reader in as we get to admire his resilience, integrity and thoughtfulness in this memoir of a young man’s journey from poverty in China to a comfortable successful life in England.

“JOURNEY TO THE WEST” is a cultural bridge as well as a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing read.
Profile Image for Jeffrey.
1 review1 follower
April 1, 2021
Biao’s story is fascinating and the insights of how he progressed from a humble background in China to a highly successful person now living in the UK is quite amazing. Written in an unusual chatty style this is an easy and well worthwhile book to read that shows that whilst there are big differences between the cultures in China, the UK and other countries there is a common humanity that can bring us all together.
1 review1 follower
April 1, 2021
Biao Wang’s book ‘Journey to the West’ is one of inspiration, hardship, family bonds and impossible dreams.

The story follows Biao’s rise from the son of a peasant farmer to world business leader. His journey through strife and suffering was balanced by the love and affection of his family and friends.

Biao’s strength of character, charisma and sense of interpersonal skills shift and develop from one page to the next.

Though he often faced despair he never wallowed, whenever he faced adversary he triumphed.
He sense of self and self-worth was his true strength throughout, a dreamer with the Midas touch.
Profile Image for James Rance.
1 review1 follower
January 28, 2021
Loved this book, Biao talks about his early life in poverty in China and leads the reader through his amazing life journey up 2020. An amazing story of determination, hard work, and success. It's inspirational and enjoyable in equal measure.
1 review1 follower
March 24, 2021
Biao Wang is ideally placed to write, ‘Journey to the West’, because it is his honest story of an often tumultuous trip, from near starvation in a coastal village in eastern China, including fun-filled, simple, childhood joys despite the privations of a broken home and their turbulent impact on his early schooling, through a pivotal moment when he, diverted by the 9/11 disaster in the USA, opted to continue his education in the UK, and finally settle here. Drawing upon fascinating experiences, anecdotes, photographs and history involved in forging his now global career, Biao has produced a frank, brave, sometimes funny and often heart-warming narrative of his dealings with people and situations which helped him shape his life-choices, imparting lessons learned, in a wide array of settings from business-building and management to relationships among families and communities, and which he is keen to pass on to readers, including those with interests involving motivation, business, culture and travel. I think people will fall in love with this book.
Profile Image for Frank Lawson.
1 review1 follower
March 30, 2021
Without the intrusion of the omnipresent world pandemic in our daily lives 'JOURNEY TO THE WEST' would probably never have seen the light of day. This is an initial account of a young man's rise from the poverty of subsistence level farming in rural China to that of a respected international UK based Saville Row businessman, consultant and popular speaker. In this book WANG Biao lays his life bare.

The majority of us have difficulty committing our curt thoughts to a holiday postcard, let alone penning an autobiography in an alien and con fusing second language. Throughout the many chapters of the book the author shares with us his privations, upbringing, family values, intimate thoughts, hectic education, aspirations, personal achievements, hurdles, fortuitous friendships and ultimate business success. 'JOURNEY TO THE WEST' is a no frills, straightforward personal account of a spark that lit the fire. It is an inspiring work and the author deserves every accolade.
1 review1 follower
April 2, 2021
As a UK resident who studied Chinese and spent some time living in China over the past decade, I thought ‘Journey to the West’ did an excellent job of highlighting and articulating cultural differences between the UK and China, which I found relatable. The author’s journey of growing up in poverty in China leading to his success as a businessman in the UK delivers a raw, honest, and captivating story to its readers. I was drawn in by descriptions of the deep relationships the author shared about his family and friends. I was also impressed by the author's ability to paint a picture of the influential roles his relationships played in shaping his fulfilling and beautiful life. The author's quick-wittedness and resilience enabled him to quickly develop solutions to challenges. Notably, although his actions and decisions led to increasing levels of success, he remained humble. He never forgot his roots nor the people in his life who supported him throughout his journey.
Profile Image for Bernie.
1 review1 follower
March 30, 2021
Incredible is the word that comes to mind while reading how Biao's ambitions are realised, going from such humble beginnings in China to becoming a very successful entrepreneur here in the UK, and at such a young age too.

So determined was he to start his own Saville Row equivalent Chinese workshop, that even after having his ideas rejected by almost every single UK Saville Row tailor, he still persisted and didn't give up, and boy did it pay off. His global ambitions did not stop there as he continues on to other business ventures.

This is a most heart-warming book, especially when it comes to the stories about his family who suffered terrible poverty and hardship when he was a child.

I can thoroughly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Helen.
1 review1 follower
April 1, 2021
An inspiring book about a young man's journey starting from a humble background in late 1970s China to a globetrotting successful businessman based in the United Kingdom. I've travelled quite a lot in China in the 2000s and can only imagine how hard life must have been like 20 years earlier. But even from what I've seen this story shouldn't have been possible and the fact that the writer achieved his dream is a testament to his determination and also the relationships that he has developed over the years. A good read and highly recommended.
1 review2 followers
April 6, 2021
It is an excellent autobiography. Will recommend it to friends and family as this is a touching and inspirational story for all.
1 review
May 5, 2021
如果有人问我这是一本什么书?讲述了怎样的故事?我可能会给予不同人不同的回答:这是一个普通浙江农村孩子成长的故事,是一个满怀梦想的年轻人从东方到西方的故事,同时这也是一个时代和一个群体的故事。毋庸置疑这是Biao自己目前到人生中青年阶段自我总结的自传,但打动我的不仅仅是他个人的故事,你会在书中读到80,90年代的中国,那时还是一个在人民基础物质生活非常匮乏的年代。你会理解在新世纪交接点时代,中国涌现出了一大批有为青年,他们去到西方追寻自己的梦想,在当他们在自己的领域有所建树时又尽自己所能去回馈家乡。Biao就是这万千青年中的一位。他详细的讲述了自己的成长经历和自己在面临人生重大选择时的所思所想。回到Biao本人,我感叹于他童年,学生时代所经历的坎坷,更敬佩他在逆境中努力进取的勇敢选择。不是每个人都会经历过Biao的苦,作为90后,生长在祖国经济发展迅速增长的一代我很难想象Biao的童年是如何度过的。但是最让我印象深刻的还是Biao本身他的人格魅力,他是如此的坚韧,勇敢,进取又是对朋友真诚可靠,纯粹善良,或许这些在书中并没有单独列一章讲述的内容,才是他今天所取得成功的最重要因素。
Profile Image for Christopher.
1 review1 follower
April 1, 2021
The author of this book takes the reader on a truly fascinating and informative journey from his very poor and humble background in a small Chinese village to the UK. The skilful writing draws you into his story - detail, passion alongside dedication and commitment spring out from the pages. A book is worthy of reading and truly inspirational.
1 review1 follower
May 1, 2021
You don't choose the circumstances in which you are born. Neither should those circumstances define the rest of your life. Biao's story of self-belief, hard work, determination, and stamina is an inspiration to anyone who aspires to achieve but feels the struggle is too great. Biao story shows it's the little steps forward that can make significant differences and changes to your future success. It's an inspirational book and Biao appears to have the same principles and beliefs now that he had from early life. You can remain true to yourself and still achieve your dream and succeed in life. It's all there, in his book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
April 28, 2021
Excellent read, highly recommended. Lots can be learned from another's experience, and this is one man which we can all learn from.
Profile Image for Lyle.
1 review1 follower
April 3, 2021
This is a fascinating account of Biao Wang's journey to the west from China. Whether you are interested in Chinese history or culture, or business, this autobiography will teach you many things about life in general. Finished reading it in two sittings, it was a great read. Five Stars!
1 review1 follower
April 8, 2021
My parents emigrated from Guangdong in China to South Africa, where I was born and spent my formative years, before reading for a PhD in electrochemistry at City University in London, where I now live.

I have known Biao for many years and watched him mature as a person and establish his company into the thriving business it now is.

Biao is a modest man and it is only through reading his autobiography that I can fully appreciate his epic journey from humble beginnings in rural China to England, where he now resides.

His life story is a fascinating and hugely inspirational account of an indomitable struggle against adversity.

As an immigrant myself who has transitioned from South Africa to England, I can wholeheartedly recommend his autobiography as an inspiration to all struggling people; always remember, where there is a will, there is a way.
1 review1 follower
May 3, 2021
I received the book two weeks ago. The story is so inspiring and moving, and I will recommend this book to our school next week. It shows hard work will never fail you and our students will definitely benefit from Biao's amazing story. Hope I am able to talk with the author, Biao, one day to get some inspirational ideas from him.
Profile Image for Jonathan Collins.
108 reviews
April 21, 2024
This book is neither narrative nor non-fiction. I started reading it based on a list that ranked it as the #1 narrative non-fiction book. However, with only 125 reviews, I should have been more cautious. It’s evident that the book is ghostwritten. After finishing it, I’m not even sure if Biao Wang is a real person. At least the book is a very easy read.
1 review1 follower
April 29, 2021
I feel really privileged to receive a signed copy of the book from the author. I found it so interesting and uplifting. What a fascinating life Biao has led. It was so interesting to read about Biao's childhood and life in China in those days. The story is so inspiring.
Profile Image for DORIS.
68 reviews
February 3, 2022
THIS IS A RE—MARKABLE BOOK,ITS ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY. WILD WILD WEST. I TRUELLY BELIEVE IN FOLLOWING MY DREAMS. WHY. BECAUSE MY DREAMS NO. WHERE IAM GOING. LIKE A LONG WALK ON THE TRAIL . WESTERN. STYLE.
Profile Image for Sue.
1 review1 follower
April 1, 2021
Interesting and moving account of a young mans' cultural transition. An inspiring read, proof that any obstacle can be overcome.
1 review1 follower
April 2, 2021
Extremely a well written and engaging book. Such an insight into rural and family life in China and how determination can succeed. Would strongly recommend this book.
1 review1 follower
April 2, 2021
An inspirational story that serves for a good read! Definitely a book I would highly recommend reading for anyone looking to broaden one's outlook of the world.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1 review1 follower
April 5, 2021
Very interesting and informative, would highly recommend it.
1 review1 follower
April 8, 2021
A highly recommended read. So interesting to discover what an unexpected path life can take you along.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1 review1 follower
April 8, 2021
Simply an intriguing read. Well written and endearingly unpretentious. Just a heartwarming story, told from the heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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