Recycling tycoon Chen Guangbiao says he wants to be “the top philanthropist in the world.” Inside his effort to transform charity in China—and make a name for himself.

Members of Chen’s “Loving Heart Delegation,” as he calls it, travel with red suitcases to hold thousands of red envelopes stuffed with cash for the poor.

ARRIVISTE Chen waves to photographers outside an event in the city of Taichung.

An elderly woman holds a sign that says “Please, sir, hold on. I’m not asking for a red envelope,” above right. Her reward? A personal greeting, right.

After a visit to an organic food factory in Taichung, Chen poses for the cameras, left. Above, he gives a press conference in the city of Nantou to talk about his good works.

Thousands of Taiwanese who have been identified as “needy” by the local government, Red Cross, and social workers wait for hours, left, to receive red envelopes containing about $150 each, above, from Chen.