Arguing that cultural reform is a key aspect of political reform, Richard Kraus shows here that China's economic transformation has dramatically liberated the production and consumption of culture. In this original and provocative study, Kraus offers a political analysis of Chinese culture that includes all genres of art. Surveying the evolution of China's cultural politics between 1979 and 2003, this book explores the complex relationship between money and art as exemplified by declining state arts patronage, changing standards for painting nudity, censorship, and the professionalization of artistic work. Cogent, witty, and deeply informed, this comprehensive overview of the Chinese arts scene will be an essential text for all observers of contemporary China.