Beijing and Shanghai

August 1, 2007
These two books are stellar additions to the exponentially growing travel library about China, site of the 2008 Summer Olympics. They are about the ancient and cultural capital of the quickly rising superpower, with the second title also covering the fiercely modern city of Shanghai. Each book has colorful photographs, maps (including subway maps), illustrations, indexes, recommendations for accommodations and eating, sight-seeing, history, phrase books, and travel information. "Top 10 Beijing" is particularly handy if one wants to study the one city, although its small size may concern some librarians. Humphreys lists Beijing's top ten highlights and then lists the top ten features of each. The book then compiles various other top ten lists such as the chief Chinese movies, teahouses, children's attractions, socialist monuments, galleries, museums, restaurants, and street food, and various recommended city neighborhoods as well as sites just outside the city. It also lists the top ten accommodations in the categories of budget, business, and high-end hotels and hostels. There are travel tips and references for further information.

The larger "Beijing & Shanghai" is organized more like a traditional travel book. After comparing the two cities, so different in origin and nature, and informing readers about the country generally by means of sections on literature, language, religion, gardens, weather, and history, it is divided in half between the two famous cities and includes additional informationbeyond Humphreys on Beijingon festivals, art, architecture, parks, festivals, excursions, and walks. The final section, "Travelers' Needs," combines information on accommodations and eateries for both cities. Both books are beautifully put together and will be eminently helpful additions to public library travel collections.Melinda Stivers Leach, Precision Editorial Svcs., Wondervu, CO

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