From his beginnings in Dalian to Wanda’s nationwide expansion and ambitious overseas acquisitions, Wang Jianlin became one of the defining figures of China’s business era. This book traces the rise, expansion and retrenchment of his commercial empire, asking what ultimately determines the fate of a Chinese entrepreneur: personal judgment, financial leverage, economic cycles, government policy—or the deeper boundaries of the system itself? CHINA STUDIES & CORPORATE HISTORY THE

How one faces gain and loss, remains clear-headed amidst applause, and upholds dignity in the depths of adversity— perhaps these are the things truly worth preserving. It is not power, nor riding the crest of a trend; rather, it is the character, integrity, and capacity for independent thought—along with the inner strength to create genuine value for society—that cannot be taken away, even if one loses everything else. This is the most enduring light within the dreamscape of

Ordinary people fear a lack of money; the wealthy fear losing it; the richest fear losing their entire empire. When a person has everything and then loses it all—what is it that truly remains? Once a sense of security is anchored in external things, it will inevitably become fragile. He thought he was a player making the rules, only to discover in the end that he was merely a pawn.