This series is a general introduction to traditional Chinese ideas and beliefs that are still relevant to present-day Chinese practices. It is largely intended for non-Chinese readers, as well as Chinese readers who are more comfortable with the English language and who may have just a smattering of understanding of Chinese culture.

Books on Chinese culture, especially those in the Chinese language, are often written in a serious style and generally demand some basic knowledge of the subject. The books in this series have adopted instead a topical approach, dealing with individual topics such as particular animals and festivals, feng shui, colour, numbers, folk culture, and so on, with the intention of bringing Chinese culture alive. A number of the topics, such as dragon and bat, also provide an interesting contrast between Western and Chinese beliefs.

The series is generously illustrated to make reading easy. Wherever possible, there is also a list of relevant Chinese phrases and idioms with English translations to give readers greater understanding of the topic concerned.

It is hoped that this series of books will help readers who speak different languages better understand and appreciate the cultures of others.