This book discusses the profound issue of China's journey towards the modernization of state governance after reform and opening up in 1978. Using simple language and focusing on institutions and procedures, it addresses the “enigma of China's development”, with emphasis on answering such key questions as “how has China's reform succeeded?”, “how is China governed?”, “what are the characteristics of China's governance model?”, and “what are the emphases of China's governance reform in the future?”

The section on basic systems covers the political party system, the system of people's congresses, the political consultation system, the legislative system, the administrative system, and the judicial system, with a focus on demonstrating the institutional strength and characteristics of China's governance model. The section on governance strategies discusses the major reform of individual elements, especially democratic elections, law-based governance of the country, public services, and political transparency.