Book excerpt: Originally published in 1999, A New China has become a standard textbook for intermediate Chinese language learning. This completely revised edition reflects China's dramatic developments in the last decade and consolidates the previous two-volume set into one volume for easy student use. Written from the perspective of a foreign student who has just arrived in China, the textbook provides the most up-to-date lessons and learning materials about the changing face of China. The first half of the book follows the life of an exchange student experiencing Beijing for the first time. Chinese language students are guided step-by-step through the stages of arriving at the airport, going through customs, and adjusting to Chinese university dormitories. The revised edition includes new lessons on daily life, such as doing laundry and getting a haircut, as well as visiting the zoo, night markets, and the Great Wall. Later lessons discuss recent social and political issues in China, including divorce, Beijing traffic, and the college entrance examination. A New China provides detailed grammar explanations, extensive vocabulary lists, and homework exercises. Single-volume, user-friendly format New lessons and vocabulary reflecting daily living in China Includes China's recent social and political issues Detailed grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, and homework exercises Uses both traditional and simplified characters