Beginning with the mid-19th century, when China encountered the West and began to enter the modern age, this unique Encyclopedia offers a quick overview of the world's largest and most populous nation. The coverage includes not only major political topics, but also surveys the arts, business, literature, education, journalism, and other major aspects of the nation's social, cultural, and economic life.

The Encyclopedia offers significant material on such neglected subjects as women and minorities, modern drama, Sino-French War, and Mongolian independence. Special emphasis throughout is on the dramatic changes that have taken place in the country since the end of World War II.