The article discusses eco-translatology as a unique and independent Chinese theory in Translation Studies. The paper opens with a presentation of three influential Western schools, namely the principle of dynamic equivalence that was developed by Eugene Nida (1964), the Skopos school as introduced by Hans Vermeer and sophisticated by Christiane Nord, and Descriptive Translation Studies whose main figure is Gideon Toury. Eco-translatology is related to these schools and its basis in ancient Chinese thinking, its emphasis on the harmony between man and his environments, and the relevance of collective vs. individual efforts are highlighted. Concrete examples show how eco-translatology is in keeping with actual translation practices even in the West. Key-words: Eco-translatology; China; equivalence; the Skopos school; Descriptive Translation Studies; harmony with nature; adaptation and selection; interplay of contextual factors; no uncritical transference of messages between cultures. In this article, I shall discuss Chinese eco-translatology in relation to some influential Western translation schools. It goes without saying that the article is not an exhaustive presentation of the Western schools discussed, nor of course a discussion of all facets of eco-translatology. Instead I focus on salient points as the most pertinent ones. I shall concentrate on 1. the equivalence principles, and in these I shall include a few comments on prior translation criticism and theory, 2. the Skopos approach, and 3. Descriptive Translation Studies to which I myself belong. Although this is rarely noted, let alone emphasised in Western works on Translation Studies, these schools all spring from specific educational, spiritual, linguistic, social, political and even historical circumstances. Translational activity in Europe Although there must have been competent translation throughout the ages – for the simple reason that otherwise there would no sophisticated intercultural communication – there was little formal training in translation before 1940 in Europe. The languages used for international communication were Latin (from Antiquity to c. 1750 and subsequently French until 1940. Translations into the national languages gained ground first in the Renaissance (c. 1450) and then after 1630 in northern Europe with Lutheranism, since Lutherans held that all believers must read the Bible.