Contains maps and information on the geographical regions, history, society, and culture of China.

Includes indexes.

Introduction : a chronology of China -- Maps -- Regions. Northeast China -- North China -- North-Northwest China -- Central China -- South China -- Southwest China -- Tibet and Qinghai -- Beijing -- Plant life -- Animal life -- Conservation -- History. The Great Wall -- The emperors -- Society in Imperial China -- The history of science and technology -- International contacts -- Western intrusion -- Downfall of the empire -- The rise of the Communist party -- The long march -- The life of Mao Zedong -- The Cultural Revolution -- Modern government/Deng Xiaoping. Society. Population and minority nationalities -- The role of women -- Religion today -- Life in the country -- Life in the city -- Education -- Medicine and health care -- Sports and leisure -- Food and regional cooking -- Customs and festivals -- Culture. The Chinese language -- Archaeological discoveries -- Painting and ceramics -- Metalwork, jade, and sculpture -- Silk and lacquer -- Architecture and gardens. China today. Natural resources -- Agriculture -- Light industry -- Heavy industry -- Developments in trade -- An expanding economy -- Transport and communications -- The army and defense -- Modern science and technology -- The visitor's China -- Hong Kong -- China's future -- The maps of China : index.