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The Chinese say, "Traveling
to the place is better than reading a million books about
that destination". Yes, we agree. Yet, we
prepared this list for you in hopes that you can begin
your experience of China even before your departure. We
really wish you to get the best of everything from this
trip.
CHINA
GUIDE
- by Ruth Lor Malloy.
Published by Open Road Publishing
This
book covers major cities in China but with fewer introductions
on small or remote villages. It is one of the most comprehensive
books. We especially like the travel tips section. Ms.
Malloy writes in a thoughtful and kind manner that connects
to readers. In addition, you will be able to find
a lot of information
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on
local hotels.
FROMMER'S CHINA-THE 50 MOST MEMORABLE TRIPS
- by J.D. Brown. Published
by Frommer's IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
You will
enjoy reading this book, since it provides a very personal
description. Other than the must-visit sites, Mr. Brown
also includes some places seldom visited by tourist. He
also suggests many good restaurants worthy of dining. |
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LONELY
PLANET CHINA
- by Caroline Liu and the
staff editors. Published by Lonely Planet
This
is probably one of the most impressive travel guides with
a lot of information, covering almost all reachable sites
and destinations in China. Most of the information is
quite valuable. It seems to be specially targeted towards
back packers. Unfortunately, some of the information is
outdated and therefore no longer reliable, including most
of the listed prices, the schedule for public transportation
and some parts of the Chinese history.
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This guide would be a good reference source, but be sure
to do more research. Although this book is definitely
worth reading, it should not be used as your only source
in planning your trip.
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CAMBRIDGE ILLUSTRATED
HISTORY OF CHINA
- By Patricia Buckley Ebrey
and Kwang-Ching Liu. Published by Cambridge University
Press
If
you only had room for one book on Chinese history, this
would probably be the one you should read. It covers
history from China's early beginnings to more recent
events. It is really great for those who want a basic
overview of Chinese history in a short period of time.
The text is written simply and accompanied by gorgeous
pictures. This serves as a very good introduction, but
may seem elementary for those who are already familiar
with the basics of China.
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The SEARCH
FOR MODERN CHINA
- By Jonathan D. Spence.
Published by W W Norton & Co.
This
is an entertaining and informative book with a thorough
introduction about modern Chinese history. It provides
the necessary historical backdrop in great and well reasoned
detail. It also makes value judgments about various historical
figures and events. For anyone who wants to learn about
China in general but hates dry history, this one should
be a great pick. |
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CHRONICLA
OF THE CHINESE EMPERORS:The Reign-By-Reign Record of the
Rulers of Imperial China
- By Ann Paludan. Published
by Thames & Hudson
This book chronologically lists
the Chinese emperors, showing their reigned names in Chinese
characters and most importantly- their accomplishments.
This serves as a good introduction and is very useful
to beginners.
THE RIVER AT THE CENTER
OF THE WORLD: A Journey up the Yangtze, and Back in
Chinese Time
- By Simon Winchester.
Published by Henry Holt
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This
book takes readers upstream the Yangtze through the
story of modern China from the bustling Shanghai near
the mouth of the river to the highlands of the Himalayas
where the Yangtze originates and where China has not
changed much at all in 5,000 years. Embedded in the
story is the history of China since the late 18th century:
the arrival of the European powers, the Opium Wars,
the Japanese invasion, the Civil War, and the years
of Communist rule which culminated in the construction
of the Three Gorges Dam, all of which will irrevocably
change the Yangtze River.
RIVER TOWN : Two Years
on the Yangtze
- By Peter Hessler. Published
by HarperCollins
The author taught English
in rural China for the Peace Corp and this book shares
his (both positive and negative) experiences and opinions
from a foreigner's perspective about Chinese charter
and lifestyle in general. He gives an insightful view
of China, which is especially great for those who want
to explore the authentic China.
 :1-866-40-CHINA
(1-866-402-4462)
 :Info@east-tours.com
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