The three early dynasties in the Chinese history ( Xia , Shang and Zhou Dynasty ) are collectively referred as the San Dai (三代, sān dài), meaning "the three generations". The term "three generations" (三代) was first used in " The Analects of Confucius " 《论语-卫灵公》. The term continued to the Warring States Period, referring to Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou Dynasty . After the Qin Dynasty (秦朝), the meaning of "three generations" began to include the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (东周). The book, Chinese History 2 , a Chinese reading practice book, presents a broad and simple overview of the San Dai , three early ruling dynasties (夏朝, 商朝 and 周朝). In the accompanied book chapters, you'll learn the history of China starting from the prehistory until the start of the imperialism in China (Qin Dynasty). The volume, 12 th in the Mandarin Chinese Reading Series , includes both the Chinese text (simplified characters) and pinyin. With about 900 unique characters, the volume would be suitable for the beginners, lower intermediate and advanced level Chinese language learners (HSK 1-6). Overall, the Mandarin Chinese Reading Series offers you a variety of elementary level books (Level 1/2) to learn Chinese culture as well as practice Chinese reading fast. The book has 10 chapters in the following order: Chapter 1: Prehistoric China (第一章：中国史前时代) Chapter 2: Xia Dynasty (第二章：夏朝) Chapter 3: Did the Xia Dynasty Exist? (第三章：夏朝是否存在?) Chapter 4: The Origin of the Xia Dynasty (第四章：夏朝的起源) Chapter 5: The Destruction of the Xia Dynasty (第五章：夏朝的灭亡) Chapter 6: Shang Dynasty (第六章：商朝) Chapter 7: The History of the Shang Dynasty (第七章：商朝的历史) Chapter 8: The Cultural Heritage of the Shang Dynasty (第八章：商朝的文化遗产) Chapter 9: Zhou Dynasty (第九章：周朝) Chapter 10: The Transition from the Zhou Dynasty to the Qin Dynasty (第十章：从周朝到秦朝的过渡)