The studies in the 21st century of the history of ancient China show a number of trends. First, the publication of newly discovered materials has contributed to the steady development of the research on the history of ancient China. Against this new background of historical knowledge, research on the whole is going deeper. Second, interests have expanded from traditional to new areas of research. Third, research concepts and the development of research principles has become a new concern of the academia, including the treatment of the newly discovered materials, the definition of the social morphology of ancient China, and the furthering of the research on traditional disciplines. One consensus among scholars is the ''long-time'' and ''broad-space'' study of history beyond the restraints of divisions between dynasties and geographical regions. The past 12 years of research have brought us judgments of historical details which are closer to the truth. New clues have emerged as to unresolved topics like legal forms, taxation systems, possession of land, etc. In the meanwhile, with more academic interaction on the international level, the issues of domestic research, while preserving our local characteristics, have become more universal and pioneering, for example, issues of ecology and environment, sex, diseases and cures in history, etc. have been explored, which demonstrates the vitality of the research on ancient Chinese history. At present, the field of research has to face and tackle five major issues: firstly, research has been devoted more to the reconstruction of ancient history than to important theories. Theoretically, we have abandoned inaccurate generalizations of Chinese history, but we have failed to produce more persuasive formulations at the same time. Secondly, at various periods in Chinese history, the topics of research have been observed to be limited due to the lack of a questioning attitude. Thirdly, academic criticism and a healthy mechanism have long been lacking. Fourthly, the employment of newly discovered materials is sometimes biased, as is exemplified by the exaggeration of their value by researchers and the researcher's desire to aggressively occupy an advantageous position. Lastly, electronic technology highlights the urgency of upgrading the researcher's knowledge of history. Future research calls for a breakdown of the barriers between different areas of research, more cooperation among scholars of different disciplines, greater courage to develop academic awareness, discussion of issues at deeper levels and more attention to major issues in Chinese history. All these are vital to the qualitative leap forward in the study of ancient Chinese history.