This book is designed especially for beginners of Chinese. It can be used as a textbook for Chinese classes or self study, or as additional study material outside of class. Using this textbook readers can experience the fun of learning Chinese while enjoying the Chinese culture. This book has a total of 18 lessons. Each lesson consists of four parts: Reading China, My China Story, Reading for Fun and Everyday Chinese. Reading China aims to introduce the readers to Chinese society and culture as well as the language, and give them a better understanding of China. My China Story consists of honest and fun articles written by overseas students about their feelings and experiences in China. Reading for Fun is composed of cross-cultural jokes and funny cartoons. Everyday Chinese aims to give students as much practice outside the classroom as possible. The text also has an accompanying MP3 CD. Reading China is read with standard academic pronunciation, while My China Story and Reading for Fun are read in a more conversational style.