当代中国是传统中国的延续，更是与时俱进、开拓创新的国家。中国社会发展正处在一个转型时期，中国正以崭新的姿态面向未来。本书以历史为经，以中国各领域基本情况为纬，高度概括地介绍中国多民族国家和中华文明形成的历史，近代以来中国的抗争和发展之路，从新中国成立到改革开放时期的当代史，当今中国面临的机遇和挑战，中国通过发展自己对世界发展作出的贡献，等等。（137.Contemporary China is not only a succession of traditional China but also an innovative pioneering country advancing with the trend. At the social transitional period, China is facing the future with a brand new posture. The book gives a comprehensive and concise introduction to the formation of a multinational country and its culture, the struggle and development of the country in modern times, the history from the founding of New China to the Reform and Opening-up practice, the opportunities and challenges of today's China, as well as the contribution to global development of China through self-perfection etc.）