China Guidebooks & Maps

Shanghai fuses the faded glamour of its colonial past with China's dreams for the future. It's the world's fastest-changing city: blink and it's different. Use this definitive guide to keep up with the frenetic pace.

Special sections:

• Shanghai's diverse architecture, from Art Deco to 21st-century, and the magnificent Bund
• excursions to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Putuoshan and other sites around Shanghai
• the latest word on the rebirth of Shanghai nightlife -- from the best bars to where to dance the tango
• eat your heart out: Shanghai's famous snack food and world-class restaurants
• walking tours that bring the city's colourful past alive

Every great journey begins with a single step. If you’re an aspiring, world wise, globe trotter, you should make your first steps count with the Read This First series of travel guides from the people who bring you the Lonely Planet travel guides. Everything from obtaining a Visa, to planning an itinerary, to budgeting, to staying healthy is covered. Read This First: Asia by Pete Cruttenden and Chris Rowthorn combines advice, anecdotes, and factual information to be sure that you’re fully prepared for your journey before you ever leave your domicile.

Lonely Planet has long been renowned for its wonderfully detailed maps and guidebooks. These full-color, laminated maps are the very best we've seen, and make it easy to find your way around central city and metro areas. Each map includes a full index of streets and local attractions, essential information and telephone numbers, extensive transportation routes, and even a recommended walking tour. Folds to 9 1/2 ¥ 4" to fit in a coat pocket.

Lonely Planet has long been renowned for its wonderfully detailed maps and guidebooks. These full-color, laminated maps are the very best we've seen, and make it easy to find your way around central city and metro areas. Each map includes a full index of streets and local attractions, essential information and telephone numbers, extensive transportation routes, and even a recommended walking tour. Folds to 9 1/2 ¥ 4" to fit in a coat pocket.

The best way to deal with trouble is to be prepared before trouble ever has a chance to happen. With the Lonely Planet Healthy Travel series of guides, you’ll get answers to any health question you could possible ask as a tourist or adventurous traveller. Lonely Planet Healthy Travel: Asia and India has advice about how to find medical help, how to treat cuts, bruises, and sprains, and what to do if you’ve got a fever. You’ll even get advice on women’s health issues and easy to understand graphs and diagrams. All material has been approved by travel health specialists so you know you’re in safe hands with the Lonely Planet Healthy Travel series.

Whether you’re hiking at the base of a remote mountain in the Himalayas or enjoying the best shopping in all of Paris, Lonely Planet guides are your best source of travel information and advice. The specially commissioned writers at Lonely Planet offer listings on the best in accommodations, transportation and cuisine regardless of the size of your budget. Lonely Planet Central Asia – 2nd Edition by Bradley Mayhew, Richard Plunkett and Simon Richmond features outstanding colour photography, 55 detailed maps, and expert tips on local cultures you will inevitably encounter.