The author has been an adventure tour leader in China for 10 years and has written for the Rough Guide to China, as well as various travel magazines. The focus is on areas likely to be most rewarding for tourists (all of China could not be seen in several lifetimes): Beijing & surroundings, Shanghai and Hong Kong, the Terracotta Warriors near Xi’an, the Yangzi River’s Three Gorges, the majestic rural scenery around Guilin, the Pearl River Delta, and the island of Macau Designed to enable you to gain the most from China during your trip. All the big sights in the destinations covered are described, but so are little dumpling houses, lively markets, walks through narrow old streets, places to study tai chi and the 2008 Olympics. The focus is on adventure in every sense of the word – from kayaking and balloon trips to learning the ancient art of calligraphy or fengshui. There are new experiences waiting at every turn, all of which help you get closer to understanding what China is today and how it got here.For each region, activities range from Dragon Boat racing, Chinese cooking and language lessons, as well as the more usual golfing, hiking, boat and bike rides. All the accommodation and eating choices are detailed as well, followed by nightlife. Names for all places, attractions, hotels, and restaurants are shown in Chinese characters as well as in English. That way users can communicate well with taxi drivers and ask directions by showing the book page, which will have a picture of the attraction as well.640 pages. Color maps and photos throughout.