I don't know if you have time, but two books, on focusing on Ghengis Khan and the other more recent generations, offer some interesting insights:
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World: Jack Weatherford: 9780609809648: Amazon.com: Books
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China: Jung Chang: 9780743246989: Amazon.com: Books
Wild Swans in particular deals with relatively recent history in China and I found it really illuminating, especially how the Red Guard was started, relationship with Taiwan, etc.
Both worth the time on the long plane ride
