Annotation: Chinese is a fascinating and ancient linguistic system that includes hundreds of different languages. This volume offers a deep dive into the inner workings of Standard Chinese, as well as an overview of some of the lesser-known but no less important regional dialects. Through the accessible main text, augmented with insightful fact boxes and vibrant full-color photographs, readers learn about the nuances of tones, unravel the beauty of characters in both Simplified and Traditional scripts, and gain insights into China's rich cultural heritage and the essential elements that shape its unique identity.