Reviews: Book

Hidden Nanjing

Nanjing, a 2,500-year-old city in East China's Jiangsu Province, ranks among the top destinations for travelers from home and abroad.

However, many people come and go in such a haste that they pass by without knowing the many treasures hidden in the corners that tour guides themselves may not be aware of, said Chen Gang, vice-mayor of Nanjing, at a recent book launch in Beijing.

American author Roy Kesey has published Nanjing: A Cultural and Historical Guide for Travelers this month for any one interested in exploring the best-preserved walled city in the world.

Part of the China through the Looking Glass series, the book, divided into four major sections and written in terse English language, offers a feast of information about the city at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River with plentiful photos, maps and useful tips.

Topics range from the city's geographical features to cultural heritages such as Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and major events that changed the history of China such as the Taiping Rebellion and the Rape of Nanking.

(100 yuan or $20, Atomic Energy Press, April 2007) ZLY

(China Daily 04/26/2007 page20)