Customer Reviews

The Search for a Vanishing Beijing: A Guide to China's Capital Through the Ages

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This book is absolutely perfect if you plan to discover a Beijing that soon will disappear - or already disappeard. It provides you with lots of well written stories troughout all the Hutongs that probably at the time this is written are teared down, so hurry up to take a stroll with the book in your bag!

If you have any interest in learning about Beijing than I am sure there is no greater resource in the English language than M.A. Aldrich's work. This book is incredibly thorough in scope. It starts by explaining the imperial areas such as the Forbidden City and Zhongnanhai, and systematically works itself out north south east and west. In addition to covering all of the areas of Beijing proper there are also short sections on famous sites like the Great Wall and Ming Tombs as well as food and opera. The author does not give much information about anything outside of the present day 4th ring road (the bulk is dedicated to the 3rd ring road as areas near Yonghe Gong are considered to be northern suburbs), but that doesn't take away from the value of this book.

The paper is all glossy and of high quality. There are many pictures, sketches, and photographs illustrating how Beijing has changed. I would highly recommend this to anybody that is interested in Beijing.

Even if you never go to Beijing, this is a great read! Affectionately-written and full of stories, this book captures the spirit of an ancient, lyrical city. The author, an American who has lived in Beijing for many years, obviously loves his subject. To those traveling to the city, this is a great resource.

A fantastic reading experience, great historical resource, a comprehensive guide and lasting monument.... This book works on so many levels. Wonderful and humorous story telling, meticulous research packed with details and enhanced with quotes and anecdotes. The author clearly knows and loves the old Beijing and makes it come alive on the pages. If you were to chose only one book to read about Beijing, this is it!