Xiao China, the overconfident, self-proclaimed heir to the "Chinabawan" dynasty and son of China's powerful President Shijin Ping, has grown up in a bubble of extreme nationalism. He is convinced that China is the greatest civilization to ever exist, thanks to its "superior" bloodline—a mix of brilliant Mongol warriors and industrious ancient Chinese farmers. Xiao China sees other nations, especially the United States, as backward, disorganized, and no match for the greatness of China. However, his father, concerned that Xiao China's narrow, delusional worldview will hinder his future leadership, decides to send his son on a cultural "learning experience" to the United States. Xiao China, outraged at the very idea of leaving his perfect homeland for the "barbaric" West, is furious but has no choice but to obey his father's orders. Upon arriving in California, Xiao China is horrified by the chaotic mishmash of cultures, languages, and races. He perceives every American institution as inferior and can't comprehend how this "mess of a country" has managed to survive. Armed with his blind arrogance, he sets out to "prove" China's superiority at every turn. But as Xiao China navigates American life, his ignorance and preconceptions lead to one hilarious misunderstanding after another. From mistaking fast food for failed Chinese dumplings to declaring that chopsticks are the pinnacle of human utensil innovation, Xiao China's stubborn arrogance makes him both ridiculous and endearing in equal measure. Yet, despite his unwavering belief in China's greatness, Xiao China begins to encounter situations that challenge his worldview. He meets Chinese-Americans who love both China and the U.S., he experiences freedoms he never knew existed, and he starts to see the cracks in the narrative he has always believed. But every time his mind begins to open, his pride kicks in, and he clings desperately to his fantasy of the superior Chinabawan empire. Throughout his misadventures in America, Xiao China continues to provide unsolicited advice to Americans on how they should "improve" their society using the "wisdom" of China. He constantly compares everything to China—his absurd monologues about how China's chopsticks are better than forks, and how ancient Chinese farmers are clearly more efficient than American farmers, become a running gag. As the novel progresses, Xiao China's disillusionment grows, but he remains hilariously blind to his own evolution. By the end, he returns to China, attempting to convince himself and everyone around him that America is indeed backward and inferior. Yet, his experiences have clearly left a mark on him, whether he's willing to admit it or not.