China is both the world's oldest continuing civilization and an emerging global superpower. Over the last two millennia, this rich and complex nation has often been the wealthiest and most populous country on earth-and within a few decades, China may surpass all other nations as the most powerful in the world. This edition provides a general survey of China's long history, from accounts of ancient Chinese civilization to individual dynasties, and its whirlwind transition to modernity and belated arrival into the international community. A new chapter discusses the emergence of Xi Jinping as China's paramount leader and the bold new directions in which he is taking the country and offers some speculations or predictions about where China is headed. A timeline, appendix of Notable People in the History of China, and bibliography are updated. For high school and undergraduate students, this volume offers an engaging narrative of the history of Chinese civilization through today.