Booking a Passage to China

Throughtout much of China's history, from the construction of the Great Wall to the Cultural Revolution, foreign travelers have been forbidden. Although Nixon's historic trip to China in 1972 played an important role in opening up China to the West, it was not until the early 1980s that small groups of tourists were allowed into the country, and only on guided tours rigidly controlled by the government. In the past few years, though, China has begun allowing foreigners to travel on independent itineraries, while at the same time building an infrastructure to accommodate them. Tourists are now flocking in, their interest in the exotic land fueled by the award of the 2008 Olympics to Beijing. In fact, a recent survey predicted that China's popularity in 2008 will exceed that of France, which is currently the top tourist destination for Americans.

The only thing growing faster than tourism itself is the flood of new travel materials about China. The task of keeping current is made especially difficult for libraries because the country is constantly undergoing political and economic change. What follows is a small sampling of recent titles, many of which belong to various travel series and get updated annually or every few years. They have been chosen not only for the quality of writing and ease of use but also for their range and their unique focus. A well-rounded collection on China should be diverse and include guides aimed at a variety of travelers and their traveling needs.

Lonely Planet and Moon Handbook guides, for example, are packed with hands-on information ideal for those looking for a clear and direct writing style. Travelers who need a visual incentive will respond to the evocative photographs of a Baedeker's or a National Geographic guide. Series such as Insight and Fodor's Gold Guides will appeal mainly to the low-budget traveler, while guides such as The Treasures and Pleasures of China will attract those with a highly specialized interest, in this case, shopping.

Then there are the personal travelogs, ideal for those who want to experience the grandeur of the Chinese landscape and its ancient culture without having to abandon the comfort of their living rooms. The narratives selected here differ greatly, not only in their writing styles or tone but also time periods and subjects. Again, the objective is to diversify to please patrons' ever-increasing demands.

Finally, short, general videos are another excellent option for a quick overview of China, as are numerous audiobooks that offer ambitious travelers crash courses in the Mandarin and Cantonese dialects.

Travel literature on Taiwan has been excluded because the island, although considered a rebel province by China, remains a separate political identity. There may be a possibility of reunification someday, but for now Taiwan is officially a self-governing state. Tibet, on the other hand, although it was once (and perhaps will be again) an independent country, has been a region of China since the Chinese invaded and occupied it in the 1950s. Today visitors to the region must still obtain a visa to China in order to visit Tibet. Although most general China guides included devote a chapter to Tibet, it is usually adequate only for those planning a side trip to Tibet while visiting China. Hence, this list includes two authoritative and complete titles on China's most controversial region.

Starred (*) items are core purchases for most public library collections.

*Baedeker's China. 3d ed. Baedeker's. 2002. 589p. permanent paper. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 0-7495-2409-X. pap. $25.

This comprehensive yet compact regional guide to China and Tibet includes dozens of color photographs, an introductory section that discusses the country's history, state and administration, religion, education, topography, famous people, climate, and facts and figures, and a section that provides detailed sightseeing information arranged geographically by province. There are myriad tips on how to find accommodations, where to shop, and where to dine. Also provided is a wallet map, handy for the traveler but a bit problematic for the librarian because it may easily get lost or stolen.

*China: A Travel Survival Kit. 8th ed. Lonely Planet. 2002. 1002p. ed. by Damian Harper. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 1-74059-117-8. pap. $29.99.

Organized geographically by region (e.g., Hong Kong, Macau, Tianjin, Shanghai, with expanded coverage of the southwestern provinces), this comprehensive and quite bulky guide has it all: practical details on lodging and dining, itineraries for short and extended visits, walking tours along the Great Wall, a 12-page section on Chinese art, an extensive section on the Chinese language, more than 200 well-produced, full-color maps that feature keys in English and Chinese script, and loads of useful tips for visitors.

*China. 9th ed. Insight Guides. 2002. 424p. permanent paper. ed. by Scott Rutherford. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 1-58573-289-3. pap. $24.95.

Insight guides are known for their visual appeal, and this Chinese edition is no exception, with loads of stunning photographs along with practical information for travelers of all budgets, cross references, and full-color maps. There are also reviews of top sights, a comprehensive index, and handy location finders that act as bookmarks.

*Fodor's China: The Guide for All Budgets, Completely Updated, with Many Maps and Travel Tips. 3d ed. Fodor's. 2002. 544p. maps. index. ISBN 0-676-90126-3. pap. $22.

Part of the "Gold Guides" series—Fodor's staple series—this title offers complete coverage of all regions of China and makes for an excellent companion for a traveler planning to get around much of the country. The information is reliable and current, and the layout is attractive and easy to peruse. Especially useful are the Smart Travel Tips A–Z section, mix-and-match itineraries, the comprehensive index, and numerous web links. A separate chapter is devoted to Tibet for those planning a side trip.

*Fodor's Exploring China. 4th ed. Fodor's. 2001. 288p. ed. by Christopher Knowles. permanent paper. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 0-676-90161-1. pap. $22.

This slick and beautiful guide may be smaller than most other Fodor's guides, but it is still complete, well organized, and full of basic, practical information for the busy traveler. The emphasis, however, is on exploring China through anecdotal essays that tell of the country's past as well as its present.

*Grigsby, Roger. China by Bike: Taiwan, Hong Kong, China's East Coast. Mountaineers Bks. 1994. 270p. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 0-89886-410-0. pap. $14.95.

Grigsby, an expert on bicycling, offers here six intricately designed bicycle tours through northeastern, east-central, and southeastern China, as well as three tours through Taiwan and Hong Kong. Even if a traveler is not hardy enough for the bike trips, the book provides an excellent vision of China and its various regions, dialects, architecture, and terrain. Trip planning and preparation, tips on buying and outfitting a bicycle, and practical information on transportation, safety, health, food, and accommodations are also covered. (LJ 11/15/94)

*Harper, Damian. The National Geographic Traveler: China. National Geographic. 2001. 400p. permanent paper. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 0-7922-7921-2. pap. $27.95.

This attractive guide stands out for its breathtaking photography, which fully captures the land and people of China. Clearly written and well organized, it contains in-depth site descriptions with background information for visitors, as well as walking, biking, and river tours. Harper is well qualified for the job: he speaks two Chinese dialects, has lived in both Beijing and Hong Kong, and has an abiding interest in Chinese poetry and philosophy.

*Leffman, David & others. China: The Rough Guide. 2d ed. Rough Guides. 2000. 1155p. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 1-85828-503-8. pap. $25.95.

This comprehensive guide is filled with beautiful photographs and dozens of easy-to-read maps. Each region is given a separate chapter, with critical reviews of accommodations and restaurants for all budgets. Written clearly and concisely, it includes tons of down-to-earth and extremely useful travel information. Tibet is covered in impressive detail and more extensively than in similar guides, such as Fodor's.

Berlitz Beijing Pocket Guide. 2000. ISBN 2-8315-7126-X. Berlitz Hong Kong Pocket Guide. 2002. ISBN 2-8315-7833-7. ea. vol: Berlitz. 143p. permanent paper. photogs. maps. index. pap. $8.95.

Slick, inexpensive, and pocket-sized, these unique guidebooks are ideal for those who have the time only to see the key sights. Color-coded and easy to use.

Fodor's Citypack Beijing: The Ultimate Guide to the City. 2d ed. 2002. ISBN 0-676-90500-5. Fodor's Citypack Hong Kong: The Ultimate Guide to the City. 3d ed. 2001. ISBN 0-679-00692-3. ea. vol: Fodor's. 96p. permanent paper. ed. by Sean Sheehan. photogs. maps. index. pap. $12.

Very similar to the Berlitz city guides, these handy and practical titles provide essential visitor information. They contain a full-size and full-color road map, a subway and bus map, and a short history of the city along with several itineraries.

Fodor's Pocket Beijing. 3d ed. ISBN 0-676-90127-1. Fodor's Pocket Shanghai. 2d ed. ISBN 0-676-90128-X. ea. vol: Fodor's. 2002. 160p. maps. index. pap. $9.95.

Designed for those who prefer quick overviews and highlights as opposed to in-depth information on history, culture, etc., these inexpensive and pocket-sized guides contain information on where to eat, sleep, and shop and which key landmarks to explore. Twelve pages of maps pinpoint hotels, restaurants, and sights.

Lewis, Simon. The Mini Rough Guide to Beijing. Rough Guides. 2000. 320p. maps. index. ISBN 1-85828-519-4. pap. $11.95.

Another small guide that easily fits in a pocket, this includes nine full-color maps—one is of the city's subway—clear and concise writing, and basic information on sightseeing, lodging, dining, nightlife, entertainment and art, festivals, shopping, and a directory of important traveling services.

Batchelor, Stephen. The Tibet Guide: Central and Western Tibet. rev. ed. Wisdom Pub. 1998. 365p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 0-86171-134-3. pap. $24.95.

In this informative, award-winning book on the region's history, present politics, and religion, Batchelor—who has studied in Buddhist monasteries in India, Switzerland, and Korea—answers the most common questions about China's thorniest subject. Although he focuses on the current state of affairs, the author also provides typical travel information. The Dalai Lama, in exile from Tibet, applauds the book's range in his foreword and asks for the world's help in regaining the region's freedom. There is also an illustrated iconographical guide, a phrase book, and a glossary of terms. (LJ 3/15/98)

*Chan, Victor. Tibet Handbook. Moon Pub. 1994. 1103p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 0-918373-90-5. pap. $30.

Chan, who has covered 42,000 kilometers in Tibet by foot, bus, truck, horse, yak, and fishing boat, has written a comprehensive trekking guide with 60 major itineraries and informative essays on Tibetan Buddhism and art. It is jam-packed with not only more than 200 maps and illustrations but also loads of helpful, practical travel tips. There is even a brief primer on spoken Tibetan.

Phillips, Jennifer. In the Know in China: The Indispensable Guide to Working and Living in China. Living Language. 2003. 240p. illus. index. ISBN 1-4000-2045-X. pap. $22.95.

Geared for the person who wants to move to or do business in China for an extended period, this guide addresses the culture and etiquette of the quickly changing Chinese. Also included is a 60-minute CD with Mandarin expressions and phrases.

Reames, Hal, Jr. The Red Dragon Turns to Gold: Travels in China during the Fiftieth Anniversary of the People's Republic. Writers Club. 2001. 200p. bibliog. ISBN 0-595-17964-9. pap. $14.95.

An up-to-date look at China as it builds a bridge from Communism to capitalism with the world's fastest growing economy. Reames, a clinical psychologist, began studying Chinese in preparation for his trip and traveled across China for three months with his wife. The result is this insightful guide to China's rapidly evolving culture.

Sinclair, Kevin with Iris Wong Poyee. Culture Shock! A Guide to Customs and Etiquette: China. 4th ed. Graphic Arts Ctr. 2002. 343p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-55868-615-0. pap. $13.95.

Sinclair, a columnist for Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, witnessed firsthand the tremendous changes that swept modern China from 1983 to 1999. He discusses contemporary issues, history, people, landscape, beliefs, business, cuisine, family, cultural values, etiquette, and survival tips. There is a helpful glossary of practical words and expressions, a comprehensive bibliography, and a resource guide with telephone numbers and addresses of hospitals, embassies, and tourist bureaus.

China Business & Travel Guide 2002–2003. China Knowledge Pr. 2002. 608p. permanent paper. photogs. index. ISBN 981-04-5962-9. pap. $29.50.

Focusing on Chinese economy, this up-to-date and detailed volume addresses China's entry into the World Trade Organization, Beijing's 2008 Olympics, Western Region Development, and includes an overview of the stock market. Compiled by 30 China specialists, the book spells out the steps to setting up a business or investing in what is considered an "untapped business gold mine." Included is a comprehensive business directory. (Also look for Insider's Guide: Doing Business in Shanghai, due out in March.)

Krannich, Ron & Caryl Krannich. The Treasures and Pleasures of China: Best of the Best. Impact Pub. 1999. 300p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-57023-077-3. pap. $14.95.

Part of Impact's travel-shopping series, this book introduces travelers to the worlds of artisans, craftsmen, and shopkeepers. Also included are the "best of the best" in accommodations, restaurants, sightseeing, and entertainment. The Krannichs also wrote The Treasures and Pleasures of Hong Kong: Best of the Best (ISBN 1-57023-115-X. pap. $16.95).

* Ma Jian. Red Dust: A Path Through China. Anchor: Doubleday. 2001. 336p. tr. by Flora Drew. maps. ISBN 0-385-72023-8. pap. $14.

In the early 1980s, Ma, a writer, poet, painter, and photographer, became dispirited with his life in Beijing and set out on a three-year voyage across some of China's most remote areas in an attempt to learn about himself by learning more about his homeland. Clearly not a conventional travel book for tourists, this memoir portrays post-Mao China and is as much a spiritual as a geographical journey. (LJ 11/15/01)

*Polo, Marco. The Travels of Marco Polo. Liveright. 2002. 370p. ed. by Manuel Komroff. illus. index. ISBN 0-87140-657-8. $29.95.

Chosen as one of the ten best adventure books of all time by National Geographic Adventure, this classic chronicles Polo's travels across Asia by foot, horse, and boat. After 26 years away from his native Venice, Polo returned, went to war, was taken prisoner, and dictated this 13th-century travel narrative to another prisoner. The 32 two-color, woodcut illustrations, which were created for the 1926 edition by artist Witold Gordon, are published here again for the first time in over 50 years.

*Theroux, Paul. Riding the Iron Rooster: By Train Through China. Ivy. 1990. 452p. maps. ISBN 0-8041-0454-9. pap. $7.50.

Theroux, one of America's greatest contemporary travel writers, journeyed in the mid-1980s from London to China by train. This insightful and witty account tells of his numerous adventures. Although a bit dated, it fully captures the spirit of post–Cultural Revolution China.

*Travelers' Tales Hong Kong: True Stories of Life on the Road. Travelers' Tales. 1997. 438p. ed. by James O'Reilly & others. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-885211-03-1. pap. $17.95.

This intriguing collection of stories about one of the world's most exciting cities features such prominent writers as Jan Morris, Paul Theroux, Simon Winchester, Suzy Gershman, Bruce Chatwin, and Julia Wilkinson.

*Cantonese Chinese Phrase Book & Dictionary. Berlitz. 1998. 224p. permanent paper. illus. ISBN 2-8315-6266-X. pap. $8.95.

This handy pocket-sized and color-coded guide to words and phrases in Cantonese—which is spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, and Guangxi—is well organized and full of useful tips pertaining to the language and its most effective usage.

*Haw, Stephen G. A Traveller's History of China. 4th ed. Interlink. 2003. 320p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-56656-486-7. pap. $14.95.

Haw, who first visited China in 1980 and then lived there for two years as a student and teacher at the University of Shandong, provides here a concise, accessible overview. Starting with prehistoric civilizations and ending with the most recent economic revival, he covers some 4000 years of China's rich, colorful, and tumultuous history.

*Kalman, Bobbie. China: The Land. rev. ed. Crabtree. (Lands, Peoples, & Cultures). 2001. 32p. permanent paper. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 0-7787-9746-5. pap. $7.95.

This elementary, colorful book provides a quick and readable survey of China, covering geography, history, people, and culture. The text is accompanied by stunning photographs that fully capture the beauty of China's landscapes. An excellent resource, especially for young adults.

*Where the World Does Not Follow: Buddhist China in Picture and Poem. Wisdom Pub. 2002. 128p. permanent paper. tr. by Mike O'Connor. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-86171-309-5. pap. $24.95.

This beautiful book links ancient poetry with modern photography across a thousand years. O'Connor translates poems from the T'ang Dynasty (618–906), accompanied by Steven R. Johnson's serene black-and-white photographs taken in the mountains of North China in 1989, the year of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

China: Ancient Rhythms & Modern Currents. color. 60 min. Intl. Video Network, 2246 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. 1996. $24.95.

A good overview of a vast country, from Beijing to Suzhou, Xian to Shanghai. It is part of the "Video Visits" series and includes a delightful introduction to the country.

China: World of Difference. color. 50 min. Intl. Video Network, 2246 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. 1986. $24.95.

Although out of date, this still provides a good overview of historical sites across the country. The section showing the nearly extinct communal way of life will be of special interest.

Discovering China & Tibet. color. 52 min. Facets Multimedia Inc., 800-331-6197. 1988. $24.95.

A quick look at China and Tibet including stops in Beijing, Xian, a porcelain factory, a Taoist shrine, the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, and a Buddhist monastery.

Emerging Powers: China. color. 50 min. New Video, 126 5th Ave., New York, NY 10011; 212-206-8600. 1996. ISBN 1-56501-704-8. $24.95.

Deborah Wang, former Beijing correspondent for ABC News, explores China's transformation from poverty to prosperity. Included are interviews with successful entrepreneurs and the leader of Beijing's Commodities Exchange. An interesting and informative look at the quickly changing economics of China. Produced by the Wall Street Journal.

The Silk Road II: Collector's Boxed Set. color. 900 min. Central Park Media Corp., 250 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10107; 212-977-7456. 1998. ISBN 1-56219-653-7. $149.95.

A video journey along the Silk Road, which linked the riches of China with European markets in the Middle Ages. It contains six volumes: Across the Pamir, In Search of Wisdom, Beyond Baghdad, The Soghdian Merchants, Across the Karakum Desert, and All Roads Lead to Rome.

Tibet: On the Edge of Change. color. 58 min. Questar, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-266-9400. 1998. ISBN 1-56855-242-6. $24.95.

This beautifully photographed film unflinchingly documents China's invasion of Tibet some 50 years ago. Politically charged, this video is extremely anti-Chinese but documents the destruction that China has brought upon this fabled land of Shangri-La.

Touring China. color. 68 min. Questar, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-266-9400. 1998. ISBN 1-56855-324-2. $14.95.

A visual tour of China's great cities—Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Xian, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Well produced, with much information about the country and people.

Business Companion: Chinese. 1 CD with phrase book. 60 min. Living Language. 2001. ISBN 0-609-60684-0. $21.95.

Tailored for simple conversing and business expressions.

In-Flight Mandarin Chinese. 1 CD with phrase book. 60 min. Living Language. 2001. ISBN 0-609-81074-X. $13.95.

An hour-long CD designed to be listened to over and over as one makes the long trip to China. It covers greetings, basic expressions, numbers, days and months, shopping, and getting around.

Mandarin Chinese. 1 cassette with phrase book. 90 min. Berlitz. 1998. ISBN 2-8315-6270-8. $18.95.

A wonderful introduction to Mandarin Chinese, with more than 1200 words and phrases. It includes travel tips, a dictionary, and a pronunciation guide.

Ultimate Mandarin Chinese. 8 cassettes with 416-page textbook. 8 hrs. Living Language. 2000. ISBN 0-517-70877-9. $75.

Covers speaking, reading, and writing Chinese.

Asiagateway
www.asiagateway.com
An excellent resource for the traveler wishing to rent property in China for an extended period.

China Travel Guide
www.cbw.com/tourism
Although not highly sophisticated, this site provides useful travel information for the average American tourist, such as how to apply for a visa via e-mail, how to book hotel rooms online at discount rates, and how to get around by various means of transportation.

China Travel Service
www.chinatravelservice.com
This online travel agent offers thorough information about hotels, numerous regional tours—many of which may be custom-created depending on one's interest—and river cruises. Included are detailed descriptions of the packages available, along with their cost and duration. An ideal choice for those who prefer to plan their vacations in detail and ahead of time.

ChinaNow.com
www.chinanow.com
This user-friendly site offers advice on how to get by in China's most popular cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and more. The focus is on nightlife, shopping, and dining out. Also provided is a photo tour of each city along with information on culture, business, and history.

The Chinese National Tourism Administration
www.cnta.com
CNTA, responsible for developing, promoting, and regulating tourism in China, provides a ton of tourist information on this easy-to-navigate and highly interactive and colorful site. A good starting point for tourists interested in all aspects of life in China: cultural, business, and entertainment. Bilingual.