China: Renaissance of the Middle Kingdom

Home to one-quarter of the world's population and heir to the richest civilization in history, China continues to exert a magnetic attraction on visitors. Archeological treasures, architectural masterpieces, stunning natural beauty and the inexhaustible variety of its people make any visit to China an unforgettable experience.

China has so many diverse regions that visitors often have difficulty in knowing where to begin. This guide helps narrow the options. As well as detailed descriptions of the major cities and their environs, a selection of suggested expeditions for the more adventurous includes all the major tourist sites, the more remote provinces and several climbable mountains. Special sections examine such topics as Chinese opera, calligraphy and painting and opportunities for seeing unique wildlife. 72 color photos, 11 maps.

Charis Chan is the author of several books about China, including Imperial China: Architectural Guide for Travelers, Collins Illustrated Guide to All China and China: the Middle Kingdom. She lives in Dorset, England. Neil Art has worked at several of the leading English-language publications in Asia including (as senior editor) China Commercial News, as well as assistant editor and writer at the South China Morning Post. Paul Mooney, an American freelance journalist, has 25 years' experience in Asia, reporting for leading publications such as Newsweek, Asiaweek, and the South China Morning Post. He lives in Beijing.