What Will Your Shanghai Encounter Be?

...sizing up the sci-fe skyscrapers of futuristic Pudong
...drinking in the riverside views from the historic Bund's bars
...bargain-hunting around Tianzifang for shoes, cheongsam and Chairman Mao anything
...drifting between continents in the tree-lines boulevards and boutiques of the French Concession
...grazing the canal town of Qibao for spicy lobster or icy coconut
...discovering street-level character of lilong landes and longtang architecture

Discover Twice The City In Half The Time

...full-color pull-out map and detailed neighborhood maps for easy navigation
...our expert author explores atmospheric alleys and sleek skyscrapers for the best shopping, eating, entertainment and sights
...customized itineraries and highlights to make the most of your short break
...locals get you behind the scenes from a film producer to a restauranteur to a rock star...

Nobody knows China like Lonely Planet. Whether you want to sip cocktails in Shanghai, trek Tibet's holy Mt Kailash or contemplate history at Xu'an's Army of Terracotta Warriors, our 11th edition will guide you through the best of this jaw-dropping destination - and reveal more of it than any other guide.

In This Guide:

All-new color chapters feature treks, iconic sights and culinary delights
Comprehensive activities coverage, including new cycling trips and unforgettable river tours
Expert trustworthy knowledge from resident and specialist authors
...

A lavishly produced volume featuring stunning duotone images of China's fabled Yellow Mountains by the celebrated photographer Wang Wusheng. For more than three decades, Wang Wusheng has been captivated by the beauty of Mount Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains. Located in the southern part of the Anhul province in northern China, Mount Huangshan has often been described as the world's most beautiful and enchanting mountain. Over the centuries this mountain with its seventy-two peaks has been the subject of Chinese landscape painters, whose singular works are so haunting it seems impossible that these mountains exist in nature. Inspired by the legacy of these paintings, Wang Wusheng has sought to portray this scenic wonder. As shown in the collection of ninety photographs in this extraordinary volume, here are mistshrouded, granlte peaks emerging from an ever-changing veil of clouds, sculptural craggy rocks, springs on lifty cliffs, and weathered, oddly-shaped pine trees, depicted in all seasons and at various times of day. Wang Wusheng's images are so exceptional that they look like paintings. Accompanying the photographs are two fascinating essays about the art history and natural history of the Yellow Mountains. Art historian Wu Hung provides an eloquent, comprehensive survey of the region's artistic, literary, and photographic tradition, relating how Wang Wusheng's work is an important part of this notable legacy. In a second essay, Damian Harper presents an authoritative account of the geology, geography, and natural history of this legendary place. In addition, there is an introduction by the Japanese critic Seiko Matsuoka, who contributes an insightful appraisal of Wang Wusheng's work....

One of the most requested titles in our critically acclaimed Traveler series, this beautiful guide makes the vast enigma of China accessible to every visitor. Continuing the series' winning formula, this new edition combines in-depth, up-to-date descriptions with dazzling photographs, detailed maps, cutaway illustrations of renowned structures, and a wealth of useful travel tips. Organized by cities and areas, the book covers the best sites and attractions throughout the country. Highlights include the capital of Beijing; dynamic Shanghai; the fertile Yangtze region; Guilin and its fabled limestone pillars; the life-size army of terra-cotta warriors in Xi'an; Tibet; the Silk Road; Inner Mongolia; Hong Kong; and Macau—all prefaced by an elaborate introduction to the rich Chinese history and culture.

Wide-ranging sidebars discuss Chinese deities, the Taiping Rebellion, Tibetan Buddhism, and other interesting topics, while guided tours include a bike ride from Tiananmen Square and a cruise along the Yangtze River. An extensive travel planner details practicalities such as where to find the most gracious hotels and the best Peking duck and dim sum.

Veteran travel writer Damian Harper, who has a degree in modern and classical Chinese and an intense interest in Chinese philosophy and poetry, brings authoritative guidance and a strong individual voice to this refreshing new look at a timeless land as it prepares to host the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2010 World Expo....