pThis book presents Chinese short-short stories in English and Chinese, integrating language learning with cultural studies for intermediate to advanced learners of Mandarin Chinese and students of contemporary Chinese literature. Each chapter begins with a critical introduction, followed by two or more stories in parallel Chinese and English texts each story is followed by a vocabulary list, discussion questions, and a biography of the author. pThe chapters are organized around central concepts in Chinese culture such as ilii ritual, ireni benevolence, imianzii faceprestige, being filial, and the dynamics of yin and yang, as well as the themes of governance, identity, love, marriage, and change. The stories selected are short-shorts by important contemporary writers ranging from the most literary to everyday voices. Specifically designed for use in upper-level Chinese language courses, iContemporary Chinese Short-Short Stories A Parallel Texti offers students a window onto China today