This open access book provides a distinctive and vivid survey of anthropology in contemporary China. Comprising approximately 20 essays organized into three parts, it examines leading scholars and their anthropological thought, key geographical themes in Chinese anthropology, and multi-perspectival reflections on the development of anthropology in China. By analyzing the complex fabric of Chinese society, the book advances a nuanced framework for understanding China’s cultural, social, and political transformations.

 

Characterized by rich empirical content, multi-dimensional analysis, and accessible prose, the volume covers a broad range of topics and offers holistic insights into Chinese anthropology while integrating diverse scholarly voices and interdisciplinary methods. Moving beyond conventional anthropological approaches, it incorporates perspectives from sociology, history, and cultural studies to deepen interpretations of Chinese culture and society. Combining ethnographic fieldwork, theoretical inquiry, and firsthand narratives, the book elucidates the diverse traditions, beliefs, and customs that have shaped the evolution of anthropology and ethnography in China. It also strengthens comparative research between China and other regions, enriching global anthropological scholarship with distinctive empirical and theoretical contributions.