In China average will incomes have increased 440% in just 20 years. Shanghai now stands as a dramatic symbol of the fastest growing major economy in world history. It would seem that communist China is using free trade to reinvent itself – but not entirely. New ideas mix easily with cultural Traditions. China still faces many challenges including widespread poverty in the countryside. One key question remains unanswered: will China’s new economic freedom lead to political freedom for the Chinese people?

Includes Teacher’s Guide and previews. Grade Levels: 4-12. Subject Areas: Business, Civics, Culture, Debate, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Geography, Global Issues, Government, History, International Studies, Political Science, Social Studies, Vocations.