Beijing

by Damian Harper, Lonely Planet

There's a not-so-quiet transformation brewing on the streets of Beijing. Set against a backdrop of dynastic opulence and centuries-old traditions is a city hurling itself headlong into the future. Whether your penchant is for Beijing opera or Peking duck, this smart and stylish book will guide you through all the excitement, grandeur and magic. • ENGAGE WITH THE ARTS with our cutting-edge chapter on contemporary art, written by an expert • BE INSPIRED by our extensive coverage of the world-famous sights, complete with insider twists • BICYCLE round the city with improved maps and walking tours • SHOP TILL YOU DROP - detailed coverage of the latest boutiques, markets and malls • CONNECT WITH LOCAL LIFE - etiquette advice and our user-friendly language chapter

Genres: Travel, China, Reference, Nonfiction

242 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Steve Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't you just hate it when something that you disapprove of is of some fundamental use to you and you just can't diss it to the world absolutely. I still regard the Lonely Planet as the worst disaster to hit SE Asia since the Second World War, and I am sure if I venture further afield I will retain the same sense of things. However I am off to Peking at the end of the month and for someone with just two weeks in Peking this book is indispensiable. Damnn it!!!!

[Liweisen]

Quad in Beijing .In northern Han traditional folk houses, the popular quad in Beijing is the most famous and the most typical one. Quad No.1 1, Maoer Hutong on south side of Drum Tower is the outstanding representative of the existing Beijing Ming and Qing quads.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lonely Planet guides are excellent sources for the casual tourist, the backpacker, the dilettante, the world traveler, and the resident. The only downside to this guide is that it's out of date by 3 years (which is like centuries in Beijing) and that it should include more Chinese characters. The issues, however, have been solved in the 2007 All-China guide and will certainly be corrected in the next edition of the book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

You've heard of the Gobi and you may have heard of the Takla Makan, but did you know that Beijing may one day be another of China's deserts? The Gobi Desert is just 150km from Beijing and the winds are blowing the sands towards the capital at a rate of 2km a year, with dunes up to 30m high wriggling ever closer.

[Jap Hengky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide for anyone who would like to visit Beijing.