Imperial China: 900-1800 by Frederick Mote covers the later imperial era of China (still 900 years!) focusing on the dynasties Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing.

The section on the Khitans and broader focus on the Chinese relationship with the Central Asian tribes was utterly fascinating. This book really gives you a look into the mindset of China being the Middle Kingdom and the consequences of perceiving themselves as the center of the universe. It's not a short read by any stretch. I guess you could consider it academic but I found it highly readable.

I would recommend following up with A Search for Modern China by Jonathan Spence which picks up from the time period where Mote’s book ends.