Reading List
 |
| The Chinese say, “Traveling to a place is better than reading a million books about that destination.” And yes, we do agree. Yet, we have created this list to aid those preparing for the journey, or perhaps to inspire the prospective traveler. |
|
 TRAVEL GUIDES
|
 |
| CHINA GUIDE |
| by Ruth Lor Malloy – Open Road Publishing |
|
This book covers major cities in China and is one of the most comprehensive. We especially like the Travel Tips section. The author writes in a kind and thoughtful manner that connects with readers. In addition, she provides a lot of information on local hotels.
|
|
 |
| FROMMER’S CHINA – THE 50 MOST MEMORABLE TRIPS |
| by J.D. Brown – Frommer’s IDG Books |
|
You will enjoy reading this book, as it provides very personal descriptions. Other than the must-visit sites, the author also includes some places seldom visited by tourists. He also suggests many good restaurants worth trying.
|
|
 |
| LONELY PLANET CHINA |
| by Caroline Liu and staff editors – Lonely Planet |
| This travel guide contains useful information covering almost all reachable sites and destinations in China. It is especially useful for backpackers. However, due to the rapid development in China, some of the information is outdated and therefore no longer reliable. While this guide serves as a good reference, be sure to do some comparative research. It should not be used as your only source in planning your trip. |
|
|
|
|
| CHINESE HISTORY |
 |
| CAMBRIDGE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF CHINA |
| by Patricia Buckley Ebrey and Kwang-Ching Liu – Cambridge University Press |
| If you only had time for one book on Chinese history, this would probably be the one to read. It covers history from China’s early beginnings to more recent events. It is ideal for those who want a basic overview of Chinese history. The text is clearly written 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. |
|
 |
| CHRONICLE OF THE CHINESE EMPERORS |
| by Ann Paludan – Thames & Hudson |
| This book lists the Chinese emperors chronologically, showing their reign names in Chinese characters and most importantly, describing their accomplishments. This serves as a good introduction by providing a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, and is very useful for beginners. |
|
|
|
|
| TRAVEL LITERATURE |
 |
| THE RIVER AT THE CENTER OF THE WORLD |
| by Simon Winchester – Henry Holt |
| This book takes readers upstream on the Yangtze through the story of modern China, from bustling Shanghai to the highlands of the Himalayas where the Yangtze originates. 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 have irrevocably changed the Yangtze River. |
|
 |
| RIVER TOWN: Two Years on the Yangtze |
| by Peter Hessler – Harper Collins |
| Peter Hessler taught English in rural China for the Peace Corps and this book shares his experiences – both positive and negative – as well as opinions from a foreigner’s perspective about Chinese character and lifestyle in general. He gives an insightful view of China, which is especially enlightening for those who want to explore the authentic China. |
|
 |
| CHINESE BUSINESS ETIQUETTE: A Guide to Protocol, Manners, and Culture in the People’s Republic of China |
| by Scott D. Seligman – Grand Central Publishing |
| This is a guide to social and business protocol in the Peoples Republic of China. With clarity and humor, the author shows how to avoid costly misunderstandings and unintentional gaffe by interpreting behavior. It will help to make positive impressions and understand the manners, culture, and a more sophisticated side of China. |
|
 |
| FALLING LEAVES: Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter |
| by Adeline Yen Mah – Broadway Books |
| The affairs of a Westernized Chinese family in Shanghai are made public by one woman’s account of her childhood with a wicked stepmother. Through many grievances and hardships, the guidance of a loving aunt sees her through to freedom in the United States. This emotionally triumphant story chronicles an authenticity of twentieth-century China and is a testament to the perseverance and inner strength of a family. |
|
 |
| RED DUST: A Path Through China |
| by Ma Jian – Knofp Publishing Group |
| Pushed away by his estranged wife and daughter, betrayed by his girlfriend, and in trouble with the government, Ma Jian finds himself at somewhat of a mid-life crisis, at age thirty. With no where else to go, Jian journeys throughout the most remote parts of China as a nomad for three years. As he regains personal strength traveling throughout cities and villages, this uplifting book offers a peak into the many diverse regions and cultures of the land. |
|
|
|
|
| FASHION IN CHINA |
 |
| BORN TO SHOP: Hong Kong, Shanghai, & Beijing |
| by Suzy Gershman – Wiley, John & Sons, Inc. |
| The ultimate guide for people who love to shop – highlighting the most exciting shopping destinations in Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong. This book will lead you to wherever the hip new fashions, contemporary art and unique treasures flourish. |
|
 |
|
MA KE: POINT ONE: A Designer and a Story about Chinese Fashion
|
| by Ma Ke – Map Book |
| Ma Ke is one of the most influential, young fashion designers in China, who founded her own brand, EXCEPTION de MIXMIND in 1996. The company specializes in cultural garment, accessories and lifestyle products. This memoirs her work and depicts the experience of her fashion show held in Beijing. |
|
 |
| CHINA CHIC: East Meets West |
| by Valerie Steele -John S. Major |
| The authors of this informative book have a strong background in fashion and Chinese Art. Learn as they outline the history of Chinese dress, and how it evolved from early eras to present day garment wear. China has been more influential in fashion than the average reader may realize. |
|
|
|
|
| ART IN CHINA |
 |
| ART IN CHINA |
| by Craig Clunas – Oxford University Press, USA |
| This book offers an entirely new aged look at historic subjects, such as art found in tombs to porcelain-ware and sculptures based on current research. It also provides the points of view of many scholars on the evolution of Chinese art. |
|
 |
| THE ARTS OF CHINA |
| by Michael Sullivan |
| Carrying more than 380 illustrations, this book introduces everything about Chinese Art from the Neolithic era to modern-day. In addition to the aesthetics of the works, the author also covers social, political, religious and philosophical impact the artwork carried. The Arts of China is categorized as “the most comprehensive and widely read introduction to the history of Chinese art. |
|
|
|
|
| FOR THE KIDS |
 |
| THE CHINESE NEW YEAR MYSTERY (Nancy Drew Notebooks #39) |
| by Carolyn Keene and Jan Naimo Jones -Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing |
|
When the children in Nancy’s third grade class learn about the Chinese New Year, they decide to have a little celebration of their own with a special parade. The enthusiastic class prepares an elaborate dragon costume as the highlight of the show, equipped with feathers, sequins, gold tassels and red silk. But when the dragon goes missing on the big day, Nancy is determined to solve the mystery. It’s an interesting story that helps children learn many different perspectives about Chinese culture!
|
|
 |
| THE FIVE CHINESE BROTHERS |
| by Claire Huchet Bishop and Kurt Wiese – Penguin Young Readers Group |
| A retelling of classic Chinese folklore, this is a tale of five brothers, each with their own extraordinary ability. When one of the brothers gets into trouble with an executioner, the other four must come to his aid and outwit the enemy to save him from an unjust death sentence. Children can enjoy classic Chinese literature while also learning age-old lessons of character that are still important today. |
|
 |
|
THE SEVEN CHINESE SISTERS
|
| by Kathy Tucker, Grace Lin – Albert Whitman |
|
An old Chinese fairytale, these seven sisters each have a special talent as well. Six sisters rally together and use their abilities to outsmart a dragon that has snatched their youngest sister. It is a touching and humorous story that encourages individuality and personal strength; traits that were just as important in ancient China as they are today.
|
|
 |
| THE MOON LADY |
| by Amy Tan |
| A great source for children to learn about Chinese cultures and festivals, this is a delightful story of a woman named Ying-ying telling her grandchildren stories of her childhood in China. She recalls waiting for the Moon Lady to appear during her first trip to the Moon Festival when she was seven years old. This mysterious Moon Lady was rumored to grant wishes, and as Ying-ying looks around and realizes that she is lost, she knows the one thing she would ask for if the Moon Lady would just appear – to be found! |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
|
