The growing significance of China and its engagement in global politics, which has been particularly evident since 2010, has not only attracted the attention of academic circles but has also translated into widespread interest in this country. References to China appear in discussions on economic development models and political expansion, and they are also unavoidable when addressing universal challenges such as climate change or the redefinition of the global governance system. Regardless of whether the opinions expressed in the public sphere about China's actions on the international stage are positive or negative, this country is undeniably a crucial part of our contemporary reality. Therefore, it is essential to strive to understand it comprehensively rather than relying solely on fragmented media reports. 
 
The motivation behind organizing the National Academic Conference "Peak China? Where is China Headed?", which took place in January 2024 in Kraków, stemmed from a desire to explore these very issues: the direction in which modern China is heading, the key aspects shaping the country's functioning, and the analytical tools necessary to examine these matters. The conference featured 33 speakers from various academic institutions across Poland, who presented their research within the framework of five thematic panels. The event was organized by a group of students from the Chinese section of the Far Eastern Students Association at Jagiellonian University, supported by faculty members from the Institute of Middle and Far Eastern Studies at Jagiellonian University. The conference provided an opportunity for an exchange of views and in-depth reflection on contemporary China, particularly regarding its future trajectory. To the great satisfaction of the organizers, the event also attracted individuals outside the academic community, enhancing its educational value