由于历史、文化和社会背景的差异，那些远离中国的异域国家的人们，常视中国为一个古老、神秘而又远不可及的国家。

中国古老，但并不陈旧；中国深邃，但并不神秘；中国遥远，但并非不可及。认识和了解中国，是一件十分愉快而有趣的事情。中国如同浩翰无际的大海，令人浮想连翩；中国如同连绵不绝的高山，埋有无穷宝藏；中国如同陈封多年的美酒，香醇无比。

当代中国正在发生广泛而深刻的变革。随着中国改革开放的深入和进一步加入经济全球化进程，中国与世界的关系日趋紧密，认识中国日渐成为世人的一种时尚。希望本书能为那些急于了解中国的读者打开一扇阅读中国的窗口。

本书为英文版。

Ⅰ. Geography and Civilization of China

 (Ⅰ) The Geography and Climate Features

 (Ⅱ) Geographical Environment and Inward Movement

 (Ⅲ) Source and Connotation of "China"

 (Ⅳ) Different Parts of China

 (Ⅴ) Origin of the Chinese

 (Ⅵ) Primitive Chinese Civilization

Ⅱ. Unification of China in History

 (Ⅰ) Continuity of Chinese History

 (Ⅱ) The Formation of the Ancient Country

 (Ⅲ) The First Unification and Separation of China

 (Ⅳ) The Chinese Empire Reunified and Split Again

 (Ⅴ) The Third Reunification of the Chinese Nation

 (Ⅵ) A Multi-Ethnic Country

Ⅲ. The Traditional Ideology, Culture and Society

 (Ⅰ) Confucianism and the Orthodox

 (Ⅱ) Taoist Thought and Taoism

 (Ⅲ) Introduction of Buddhism

 (Ⅳ) Traditional Thought and Culture

 (Ⅴ) Society against the Background of Traditional Thoughts and Culture

 (Ⅵ) National Character Shaped by Traditional Thoughts and Culture

 (Ⅶ) Exchanges between Ancient Chinese and Foreign Cultures

Ⅳ. Developed Country of the Agricultural Civilization Era

 (Ⅰ) Progress in Agriculture and Development of the Handicraft Industry

 (Ⅱ) Top-Ranking Technologies

 (Ⅲ) Complete Political, Legal and Official-Selecting System

 (Ⅳ) Language and Character

 (Ⅴ) Incomparable Achievements in Literature

 (Ⅵ) Unique Artistic Style

 (Ⅶ) Colorful Social Life

Ⅴ. End of Feudal Power and Establishment of a Modem Country

 (Ⅰ) Closed Doors and the Decline of the Qing Court

 (Ⅱ) Endless Disasters Brought by Opium

 (Ⅲ) From Opening Eyes to See the World to Seeking for Self-Improvement

 (Ⅳ) Establishment of a Modern Country System

 (Ⅴ) New Cultural Enlightenment Movement

 (Ⅵ) Ups and Downs of National Revolutionary Movements

 (Ⅶ) Founding of New China under the Leadership of the Communist Party of China

Ⅵ. Endeavors of New China and Reform and Opening-up

 (Ⅰ) The "Poor and Blank" Foundation of New China

 (Ⅱ) The Setbacks and Mistakes in Exploration

 (Ⅲ) Reform Injecting Vigor and Vitality into the Development of China

 (Ⅳ) China Opens Wider to the Outside World

 (Ⅴ) Create a New Miracle in Economic and Social Development

 (Ⅵ) Build a Democratic Country under the Rule of Law

Ⅶ. The Largest Developing Country in the World

 (Ⅰ) Huge Burden of Population

 (Ⅱ) Disparity and Imbalance in Development

 (Ⅲ) Contradiction between Economic Development and Resources and Environment

 (Ⅳ) Set up a Scientific Outlook on Development

 (Ⅴ) Make Efforts to Build a Harmonious Society

Ⅷ. China and the World in the Era of Economic Globalization

 (Ⅰ) Join the Process of Economic Globalization

 (Ⅱ) Bring New Opportunities for Development to the World

 (Ⅲ) A Responsible Developing Country

 (Ⅳ) Promote the Building of a Harmonious World

 (Ⅴ) Inheritance and Development of Tradition