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China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and more importantly the only ancient civilization in human history without any interruption. This book outlines the unique historical trajectory of Chinese civilization, covering a period that starts with the early Paleolithic Period about 2 million years ago and extends all the way to 2008 when China successfully hosted the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing. It sums up the characteristics of Chinese civilization and attempts to uncover the secrets behind the continuity and vitality of this densely populated ancient civilization despite thousand years of vicissitudes.

Table of Contents :
1. The Origin of Chinese Culture.
2. The Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou Dynasties: Early States and Bronze Civilization.
3. The Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods: States Contend for Power, Control, and Social Reform.
4. The Qin and Han Dynasties: Establishment and Development of a Great Unified Country.
5. The Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties: Regime Division and Ethnic Concentration.
6. The Sui and Tang Dynasties: A Prosperous and Open Age.
7. The Song and Yuan Dynasties: Cultural Collision and Fusion and Socioeconomic Advances.
8. The Ming and Qing Dynasties (before the Opium War): Prosperity of the Farming Civilization and Crisis before Modern Times.
9. The Decline and Struggle of Modern China.
10. The People s Republic of China: In Search of Socialist Modernization.
Appendix: Chronological Table of the Chinese Dynasties.

This title is part of The Sinopedia Series that includes:
01. China's Culture
02. China's Diplomacy
03. China's Economy
04. China's Environment
05. China's Ethnic Groups and Religions
06. China's Geography
07. China's History
08. China's Legal System
09. China's National Defense
10. China's Political System
11. China's Science, Technology, and Education
12. China's Social Development