Latest Berlitz Pocket Guide to China
Introduction to Top Chinese Cities & Attractions, Travel Tips
Jun 18, 2009
The latest Berlitz Pocket Guide to China was published in 2008 and this 7th edition is as informative as it is convenient. The guide does not claim an in depth look at such a huge country but its 256 pages are easy to manage and a great starting point.
As well as historical and social background, the Berlitz Pocket Guide covers the 32 top cities and attractions in China, conveniently listed in alphabetical order. Interesting sites off the usual tourist trail are also mentioned and there are handy travel tips and small maps of main city centres and China.
Hong Kong and Macau are covered in their own Berlitz Guide.
Berlitz Pocket Guide to China, Introduction to Top Chinese Cities, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou
Beijing claims first place and 19 pages, starting with a brief but inspiring look at the city's past and present.
Detailed attractions include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. Other temples, hutongs and shopping districts are briefly featured before exploring the Great Wall and the Ming and Qing Tombs out of town.
Shanghai has a page long introduction befitting its status, followed by a look at the riverside Bund, the famous Nanjing Road, new and old quarters, gardens and temples. In Guangzhou, formerly Canton, the author captures the colourful atmosphere of the Pearl River before leading readers to the lovely Yue Shiu Park, the pagoda and temples, the elegant colonial district and bustling Qingping market.
Small Guidebook to China, Top Attractions, Xi’an, Yangzi and Guilin
Top attraction on the tourist trail, Xi’an boasts ten pages, covering the city’s own historical sights, from museums to pagodas and bell towers, and the terracotta warriors archaeological wonder, 30 km out of town.
Other popular spots worthy of five pages or more include Guilin, its caves and carvings, limestone pinnacles and unforgettable trip on the river Li, and the city of Nanjing rich in history and culture.
The Berlitz Guide gives a fair assessment of the Yangzi cruise from Chongqing through the Three Gorges, less dramatic after completion of the dam in 2009, but still worth it. The main city sights are also included as well as the Dazu Caves with their fabulous Buddhist statues, some two hours away.
China Visitors’ Guide, Travel Tips
The final section runs to over 40 pages, offering general information on what to do and handy travel tips.
What to do deals with entertainment, from Chinese opera to western style nightlife, and shopping, with tips on checking prices, bargaining and best buys. There is a page on festivals and several on food and drink, including chopstick basics and how to survive a banquet.
The A to Z travel tips range from accommodation to language and transport. There are only a few detailed listings but the section is highly informative considering the small guide format. Interesting snippets of information are found in boxed text throughout the Berlitz pocket guide, such as those on Tsingtao beer, eunuchs or silk.
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