China is a political and economic superpower. But what do we really know of the country that is playing such an important role in world politics? And what do the Chinese themselves think of the rapid developments in their country? Taking into account all the consequences of air pollution, the rise in ageing population and the growing discrepancy between city and countryside: What worries them? What are their ideas about progress and which sacrifices are they willing to make for it?

In 2016, the population has continuously more money to spend. The wealthy Chinese have a house, a car and more than plenty to eat. They discover the world during trips to Rome, Paris and Giethoorn, wishing for clean air and a good education for their children. The Communist Party keeps the population happy by making prosperity grow steadily. In Shanghai, but also far from it, this optimism is making itself felt. But at the same time inequality is rising. The Dutch China correspondent Eefje Rammeloo visits the Chinese in their homes and talks with them about their worries and about their dreams for the future.