Contemporary Chinese is a textbook designed for students whose native language is English. The ultimate goal of this book is to develop the student’s ability to comprehend and communicate in the Chinese language. Specifically, it provides training in the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Chinese.

The whole series consists of four volumes. You may work through the whole series or use only the volumes of your choice. The following are to be used together with the Textbook: Exercise Book, Character Book (only for Volumes One and Two), Audio and video materials and Teacher’s Book. This textbook: is concise, practical, authentic, and topical; is adaptable to the varied needs of different students; gives equal attention to listening, speaking, reading, and writing and guides your learning step by step.

1. Red autumn leaves
2. Radish with a fancy core
3. Don't be so hard on youself
4. Each to his own taste
5. Getting lost
6. They are very patient
7. What's a good name
8. The story of the dragon boat festival
9. Confucius moving house
10. Better be a little more serious
11. To "take" or to "borrow"
12. Buy a red rose