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China is one of the most mysterious and intriguing of all civilizations. It was already a vast empire, some 2,000 years old, when Rome was building to its climax of expansion. Later, Westerners were captivated by China's legacy of dynastic rule that stretched from the dawn of antiquity - from the early Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, through the golden ages of the Han and Tang. Ancient China is a beautifully illustrated guide to this illustrious heritage and to its beliefs, rituals and cultural achievements. The book explores and explains China's unique concepts of art, mythology, philosophy, religion, technology and science. It covers the myths of gods, rulers and heroes; practices of ritual sacrifice and ancestor worship; the profound wisdom of sages such as Confucius and Laozi; the spiritual traditions of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism; the esoteric world of geomancy and alchemy, of adepts and immortals; advanced forms of medicine and healing; and a wealth of stunning artistry, from silk weaving and jade carving to ceramics and calligraphy.