China is a country with a long history and ancient civilization. Over the past 50 centuries, it has created an extensive and profound civilization, as well as a varied and colorful cultural heritage. An Outline History of China gives a brief introduction to the long historical course of development of China from ancient times up to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The book first gives an outline of contemporary Chinese geograply, population, ethnicity and history. It then describes ancient human activities, and the social and historical meanings of ancient mythologies and legends, and gives a concise account of the rise and fall of the Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. There follow, in detail or in brief, as appropriate, introductions to the politics, economy, military affairs, culture, laws, inventions, cultural relics, etiquette and customs, relationships between classes and ethnic groups in China, and between China and foreign countries, plus an enlightening description of the country's modern social reforms. There is an index at the back of the book for convenience of reference. This book is aimed at foreign university students, and readers at or above college level.
