"This fascinating book explores the culture and achievements of ancient China through the examination of artifacts that have survived through the centuries. Each primary-source artifact offers the reader significant clues to the civilization's technologies, cultural traditions, foods, and conflicts."

Who were the ancient Chinese? -- Digging up the past -- Food and farming -- Emperors and dynasties -- Everyday life -- Reading and writing -- Skilled craftspeople -- The three ways -- Engineering and structures -- Military and defense -- Trade and travel -- Enduring China -- Which way to go? -- Glossary.