Chapter 8 was about the power contained within China, due to their he population and their massive trade surplus.  China had a Golden age that allowed them to regain their unity after the collapse of the Han Dynasty.  Which included the strong establishment of arts, literature, landscape paintings and much more. In order to keep the civilization under control the Censorate had revived the examination process, by making it more elaborate books were invented and cheating was not allowed.  Those who passed this exam became a part of the upper-class and China soon became known as the best ordered state in the world.
In the Song Dynasty during the golden age women were given more freedom to participate in the social life rather than earlier times. Although women were mainly viewed as a weakness and distraction to men they had managed to be seen a little more equal.  Insanely, women who wanted to be seen as beautiful, had to bind their feet. Which was a painful procedure that meant a breakage of the bones and deformation. A woman's foot should not be the definition of her beauty. 
China was also well known for their ability to trade with different civilizations and they received many wonderful things from Islam.  The religion Buddhism was by far the most important gift they had received, through the silk road.  Many believed that Buddhism had the access to magical powers and created miracles. 
With time things have definitely evolved and there are numerous religions practiced everyday. Whether you are judged for what you believe in it is nice to know that there are people out there in the world with your same mindset willing to help.  Sometimes it make take a leap of faith to find salvation but it is never impossible.