Based on the stage of teaching and teaching hours, the first volume is cut down to 15 lessons and the second one to 10 lessons. To fit the main text(s), a text to improve students’ reading skills is designed in each lesson. For characteristics specific to foreigners studying Chinese, the lessons are arranged step by step. Each lesson lays its emphasis on the explanation of a common function word, a fixed pattern and a grammatical point in classical Chinese. Common knowledge about Chinese culture is introduced in each lesson in Volume Two. Ten famous essays are selected at the back of the book for teachers and students to choose from. The vocabulary list, translation and keys to exercises are attached at its back for users’ reference.

Xu Zongcai and Li Wen are both CFL teachers in Beijing Language and Culture University who have engaged in teaching undergraduate foreigners ancient Chinese for decades. Their works include Undergraduate Series of Chinese as a Foreign Language—Ancient Chinese (Revised Edition, Volumes 1 & 2) and Selected Ancient Chinese Readings.