Frequently Asked Questions-Good Reading Material
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Sanbao
Ceramic Art Institute at Jingdezhen Frequently Asked Questions-Good Reading Material |
I found that the Lonely Planet China book to the best to get quick information about traveling in china.
Lonely Planet also publishes a great little book called "Mandarin Phrasebook". This gives the traveler in China access to many daily phrases needed to get around. If you cannot pronounce the word you just show the character that is shown in the book to the person who is helping you.
If you wish to pick up some Chinese Language ability http://www.chinapod.com will give you some quick beginner lessons for free. You can also go to the library and ask if they have a set of Pimsler Mandarin CDs that you can sign out. I personally use Rosetta Stone to help me.
If you are interested in the history of China you can read Jacques Garnet's "A History of Chinese Civilization. It is a bit dense but it covers the entire history of China.
Another good reading is Jung Chang and Jon Halliday's collaboration entitled "Mao". This reading will help you understand the hardships the Chinese peoples have endured under Mao. Jung Chang also wrote "Wild Swans". Another great writing about life in China starting around the end of the 19th century.