This beautiful guide makes the vast enigma of China accessible to every traveler. Filled with a myriad of useful information and travel tips, it features cut-away illustrations of renowned structures, detailed maps, and sumptuous photographs. Broken into chapters by cities and areas, it describes the best sites throughout the country, including Beijing; dynamic, modern Shanghai; the fertile Yangze region; Guilin and its fabled limestone pillars; Tibet; the Silk Road; Inner Mongolia; Hong Kong; and Macau, all prefaced by an elaborate introduction to the rich Chinese history and culture. Extensive sidebars discuss Chinese deities, the Taiping Rebellion, Tibetan Buddhism, and more, while guided tours include a bike ride from Tiananmen Square and a cruise along the Yangze River. An extensive travel planner details practicalities, including where to find the most gracious hotels and the best Peking duck and dim sum. National Geographic Traveler- China not only inspires ideas for specific itineraries and sites to visit, but also heightens anticipation for the trip. An invaluable planning tool chock full of exciting activities and interesting historical and cultural information, this guide is essential for pre-trip preparation. The 2012 edition has been completely revised and updated, with new features including experiential sidebars, insider tips, and an overview of how best to plan a visit.

Author Biography

With an art history degree and six years' bookselling under his belt, DAMIAN HARPER pursued an interest in Chinese martial arts and graduated from London's School of Oriental and African Studies. He speaks two Chinese dialects and is co-author of three Lonely Planet travel guides on China and the Hong Kong region, having lived in both places. Harper frequently returns to China with his Shandong-born wife, Dai Min.