The book examines China's state-led development programme for advancing sustainable and inclusive development from the direct experiences and narratives of those affected. This "bottom-up" approach contrasts with the conventional "top-down" approach found in Chinese academic literature. Additionally, it differs from the individualistic perspective, which emphasises individual agency. The empirical evidence presented in the book illustrates how the program, initiated, designed, and financed by the state, successfully aids in poverty reduction, enhances the quality of life for individuals, and promotes sustainable development through the coordinated efforts of government departments under the overarching national discourse. The book contains an opening section discussing the People's Republic of China's (PRC) endeavours to promote "ethnic equality" and "ethnic development" since its creation in 1949. This section indirectly reveals the PRC's shift in governmental ideology, comprehension, and methods regarding ethnic matters throughout its national formation. The book presents a comprehensive picture of the local people's experiences during various national campaigns through their narrations and life stories. It aims to explore various aspects of development, including its definition, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the pros and cons of state-led development. Those wishing to gain insight into the PRC's ideology and methods for combating poverty and promoting sustainable development, particularly in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, may find the book to be a valuable source of information and ideas.

Dr. Jiansheng Huang is a social anthropology professor at Yunnan Institute of Ethnic Studies, Yunnan Minzu University. As a member of the Dai ethnic minority group, one of the 55 in China, he is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and modernisation in ethnic minority areas. Dr. Huang conducts extensive research on traditional ethnic cultures and their modernisation, with a particular focus on rural development in Yunnan. He has been a social and gender consultant for the Asian Development Bank's operations in China for 18 years. He has written three books on rural sustainability and development, along with over twenty articles on sustainable development in Yunnan. He has been conducting fieldwork in Yunnan for over 20 years, with a particular emphasis on the Dulong people, one of China's smallest ethnic minority groups, and their development.