This text offers in-depth biographies of Chinese women from the fifth century BCE to the early 20th century. It reflects their achievements in poetry, literature, painting, music, dancing, calligraphy, medicine, science, politics, military leadership, diplomacy, religion, family and community life.

The collaborative effort of nearly 100 China scholars from around the world, this unique one-volume reference provides 89 in-depth biographies of important Chinese women from the fifth century B.C.E to the early twentieth century.