Through an overview and analysis of the major national education and adult education policies, this paper endeavours to present the driving forces of the development of contemporary Chinese adult education, to identify and examine the highlights of current practices, and to discuss future developments. Questions for exploring and informing the study include: (a) What are some of the driving forces for the development of Chinese adult education? (b) What are some of highlights of Chinese adult education? and (c) What is the future of Chinese adult education? Contemporary Chinese national education and adult education policies and regulations relevant to Chinese adult education are reviewed and examined to help answer these questions and portray a picture of contemporary Chinese adult education.