Distinguishing this book from other general introductory books on Chinese history, its contents have been arranged along a timeline, with the function of quick access highlighted by its innovative layout and a detailed index. For readers who wish to learn about the history of a specific period, the target contents are atyour fingertips, through the clear time indicators at the top of the pages. And for readers who want to look up specific events or figures, the Index guidesyou directly to the information you want. With this book, international readers will be given a clear vision of the major developments in Chinese history and culture.

During the following 1,000-year period starting from the 2nd century BC, a great number of Chinese silk and silk products were transported to the west through the Silk Road. An East-West trade system was formed, linking peoples from China, Cen-tral Asia, India, Arab regions and Europe. People interested in foreign philosophy and culture also took advantage of the roads.Thus, China's papermaking technologies spread to the west, while Buddhism, Christianity and Islam were brought into China.

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The Tang Dynasty (618-907) during its heyday was very open,liberal and a melting pot for all cultures. Its capital city Chang'an was a good example of the prosperous civilization of that period.Chang'an, first built in 582, with a city wall of 35 km,was the most prosperous city in China, an economic and cultural center of Asia, as well as an international metropolis in the medieval ages. In Chang'an, one could see diverse peoples wearing vari-ous folk costumes, foreign merchants and overseas students. The Tang government even set up special reception offices to provide convenient services to new'international residents.

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The Third Plenum of the llth CPC Central Committee, held at the end of 1978, marked a key turning-point in the country's his-tory. The creation of special economic zones, establishment of a socialist market economy, resumption of the exercise of sover-eignty over Hong Kong and Macao, accession to the WTO, host-ing of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing China is approaching the center of the world stage with a brand-new look.

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Explanatory Notes

List of Entries

Quick Access to Chinese History:From Ancient Times to the 21 st Century

Index

Names and Places

Culture and Technology

Historical Events