Overview of China (Concise Edition) is an all-media, digital textbook on China’s national conditions for learners at home and abroad, featuring the characteristics of the new era and introducing China from various perspectives, including politics, economy, culture, society and ecological civilization. The book covers a wide range of topics, including geography, politics, economy, history, culture, etc. The selection and presentation of materials focus more on the present and the future, especially the inclusion of the “Belt and Road” policy, new economic patterns, new development concepts, new development patterns, etc., which can help learners to understand the present China, as well as foster humanistic exchanges and cross-cultural comparisons. In terms of writing strategy, this book is more interesting and storytelling than the general edition, presenting the originally specialized and conceptualized elaborations in a more life-like way and in a relaxed and lively language. At the same time, the book includes learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, a warm-up video before each lesson, extensions and exercises at the end of the lesson, and Pinyin for important words, which facilitates learners to consolidate what they have learned and carry out independent learning.

Ning Jiming (Editor-in-Chief) is a PhD in Economics, professor and PhD supervisor. His research mainly focuses on language economy, communication theory, education policy, Confucius Institutes and international Chinese language education. Professor Ning is currently the director of the Center for Language and Cultural Communication of Shandong University, and the deputy director of the National Research Centre for New Liberal Arts Education. Besides, he was once a member of Dean of the College of International Education at Shandong University, a member of the National Supervisory Committee for Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages, and the Executive Director of the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching. He has presided over a number of national, provincial and ministerial projects and cultural heritage and innovation projects, edited the Research Report on International Chinese Language Education and the Confucius Institute Research Annual