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China & Hong Kong

Cadogan China: The Silk Route --Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo as you explore the ancient trade routes, rural villages, deserts, mountains and local festivals of northwestern China. Peter Neville-Hadley brings the history and excitement of the region to life as he guides you to all the sights and cultural attractions, as well as adventurous activities such as trekking and white water rafting. He also provides the practical information needed to plan your trip, whether you are travelling independently or with a group. $21.95

Field Guide to the Water Birds of Asia --The Wild Bird Society of Japan has created this compact field guide to the water birds of China, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia and about 20 other Asian countries. Short descriptions of appearance, habitat, nesting habits, voice and geographical distribution are complemented by full-color drawings that allow you to identify more than 600 birds. $30.00

Fodor China --This new book is the only general guide to China geared toward upscale and/or business travellers. It covers the top cities, tourist attractions and natural areas, and provides itineraries for both short and longer stays. It recommends hotels and restaurants, shopping and nightspots, and offers an concise overview of Chinese history. $ 20.00

Fodor Exploring China --Part of the AA Exploring series from Britain and distributed here by Fodor's, this guide offers detailed region by region sightseeing information. Driving itineraries, walking tours, numerous maps and a full-color format set these guides apart. Great for route-planning. $22.00

NEW Lonely Planet China--This is the only up-to-date guide to the entire country, with everything you need to know to plan your trip, such as visas, red tape, what to pack, and health and safety. The comprehensive sections on each region of China contain details on getting around, lodgings, food and, of course, sightseeing. Unlike most guides, this one covers more than just the top sights in the top cities. It actually goes into the countryside and to off-the-beaten path parts of cities and towns to show you China in all its complicated glory. The authors lead you to outdoor activities such as day hikes along the Great Wall and boating on the Yangzi, and cultural sights of all kinds, providing good historical context. This new edition also expands its coverage of the more remote regions of Inner Mongolia and Northwestern China. $29.95

Passport Shanghai --Known as the "Paris of the Orient" during its heyday, Shanghai is still a mecca of cultural events, shops and colorful street life. This guide provides an historical overview of the city, detailed sightseeing information and practical travel tips. Color photographs, maps and literary excerpts by J.G. Ballard, Simone de Beauvoir and others complement the lively (and newly revised) text. $19.95

Also:
Passport Guide to Hong Kong $18.95

Explore other cities and provinces of China with Passport's expanding regional series:

Beijing $19.95 The Silk Road $16.95
China $19.95 Taiwan $15.95
Fujian $9.95 Xi'an $15.95
Guilin, Canton & Guangdong $9.95 The Yangzi River $19.95
Guizhou (Southwest China) $16.95 Yunnan $19.95
Sichuan $15.95

 

Rough Guide China --This is the only up-to-date guide to China available at the moment. Chapters cover its history and politics, planning your trip and dealing with red tape, and province by province sightseeing. Dozens of maps, and all the practical information you need to explore on your own make this a welcome resource for independent travellers. $24.95

Rough Guide to Hong Kong --Over 35 maps and voluminous practical information on transportation, hotels, restaurants, shopping and trips to the mainland make this newly updated guide the only one you need. Essays on the food, culture and history of Hong Kong also make it fun to read. $14.95

The Silk Route By Rail --Dominic Streatfield-James guides you to all 5000 miles of this famed route, from Beijing to the ancient Chinese capital of X'ian through Central Asia to Moscow. He includes all the practical information you need to travel by train in part or along the whole route, and provides kilometer by kilometer sightseeing and historical background, as well as 36 clear maps. $17.95

Treasures and Pleasures of Hong Kong --This guide explores the arts, crafts and shopping pleasures of Hong Kong, as well as its top sights and best hotels. Art and antiques, precious stones, tailor-made clothing, fabrics, and handicrafts are just some of the bargains to be had-if you go to the shops, markets and factory outlets listed here. The authors also provide practical tips on bargaining, customs, and shipping your purchases back home. $11.95

Language

Lonely Planet Mandarin Phrasebook (The official language of China) $5.95

Lonely Planet Cantonese Phrasebook $5.95

Background Reading

China: A Literary Companion --Explore the ancient cities and vast countryside of China through the eyes of natives, travelers, literary tourists and exiles, including Christopher Isherwood, W. H. Auden, the poet Li Po, and Mao Zedong. This lovely anthology brings the history, culture and people of China to life, and will delight you before, during and after your trip. $24.95

The Forbidden City --Part of the lovely illustrated Abrams Discoveries series, this new volume takes you on a tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing, founded in 1405 and long closed to the outside world. The authors examine the art, history and elaborate ceremonies that made this the center of imperial China for more than five centuries. Over 100 photographs and illustrations bring the text to life. $12.95

The River at the Center of the World --If you are not among the lucky few who will see the Yangtse before the Chinese damn project changes its course forever, take solace in this new book. Simon Winchester travelled the entire length of the river in 1994-5, and shares with us his unique glimpse of the China few see, truly a step back in time. His blend of British wit and intrepid curiosity, and his command of Chinese history, make for very engaging reading. $14.95

Wall to Wall --Mary Morris describes her 1986 trip on the Trans-Siberian Express through China, Russia and Eastern Europe. Her insights into the history and politics of Russia are combined with a search for her ancestral home in the Ukraine, and the outcome is a lovely memoir of both travel and family. $10.00

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