This unique publication in its original and accessible form tells about the centuries-old history and culture of China. The book is built in the form of short, fascinating essays devoted to various stages of the history of the Celestial Empire from the period of the formation of the state to the time of the reign of the last emperor of the Qing dynasty. The collection presents a variety of material about statesmen, military leaders, scientists, doctors, artists, artists and writers, whose outstanding achievements have long become universally recognized world heritage, as well as about ordinary peasant farmers who carried the burden of state decisions on their shoulders.