This book, setting culture as the main body, discusses on the rise and fall of the empires of China vertically (rise and fall of dynasties) and horizontally (development of science and culture), especially on the social conditions and economic foundation of turning dragon totem into emperor, weaving a splendid picture of prosperous Chinese civilization. A particular product of Chinese feudal society, monarchy disappeared as history keeps advancing. Although emperors are long gone and social formation and political system can be changed, Chinese cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, will last forever. It will shine our road ahead, inspire our love for our country, and inherit our dream of building a powerful country.

Pengnian ZHENG, former professor of Institute of History, Nankai University. After retirement, ZHENG went back to his hometown, starting his professional writing career in 1995. Among his many works are History of Western Culture Obtaining of Japan, History of Chinese Culture Obtaining of Japan (Hangzhou University Press, 1996 and 1999), China’s Reform and Opening-up History (People’s Publishing House, 2005), Embracing the Ocean: The Great Rejuvenation History of China (China Radio & TV Press, 2011), Opening History of East Asia (Zhejiang University Press, 2012), The Opium War, Sino-French War and the First Sino-Japanese War (Fudan University, 1997), etc.