It was developed by Ian Lemke and written by Deena McKinney, James A. Moore, and Wayne Peacock, and was released as the final entry in the Year of the Lotus line of Asia-themed World of Darkness books.

[1][2] The book covers Asia – primarily China – as it is portrayed in the setting,[2] and introduces Asian changelings known as hsien or shinma to the game.

[3][6] In addition to the game mechanics and the descriptions of shinma and their history, Land of Eight Million Dreams also includes information meant for the storyteller, such as intrigues and plot threads that they can make use of in their campaigns.

[8] They designed it with a blend of mystique and whimsy,[9] and suggested themes and moods for Land of Eight Million Dreams campaigns including mystery and intrigue, balance and order, shinma as guardians and helpers, quests, justice, and nature.

[12] Land of Eight Million Dreams was critically acclaimed,[2][3][12] described by SF Site as an impressive work with an "astonishing" level of originality and as a linchpin for the Year of the Lotus line.

[2][3] Critics liked the book's setting, with SF Site calling it "rich", detailed and interesting, and appealing to fantasy role-playing game players, with deep plotlines and intrigues for storytellers to implement into their campaigns.

They did feel that the book overlooks how shinma would interact with some World of Darkness species they found potentially relevant, such as the changing breeds of Werewolf: The Apocalypse.