Book Description
Choose the Only Guide That Gives You:
- Complete coverage of China’s top attractions, plus introductions to unique places unknown to other guidebooks.
- Outspoken opinions on what’s worth your time and what’s not, written by current and former residents with comprehensive knowledge of the language and culture.
- Includes establishment names listed in both English and Chinese characters, making it easier for you to get around and find the places you're looking for.
- Includes detailed Chinese language and menu guides.
- Our authors, experienced China travelers who've written about the country for years, offer valuable insights and paint a vivid picture of a country that's undergoing one of the most fascinating cultural and economic transformations in history.
- Download a free companion podcast about traveling in China at Frommers.com
Download Description
Choose the Only Guide That Gives You: Complete coverage of China's top attractions, plus introductions to unique places unknown to other guidebooks. Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not, written by current and former residents with comprehensive knowledge of the language and culture. Includes establishment names listed in both English and Chinese characters, making it easier for you to get around and find the places you're looking for. Includes detailed Chinese language and menu guides. Our authors, experienced China travelers who've written about the country for years, offer valuable insights and paint a vivid picture of a country that's undergoing one of the most fascinating cultural and economic transformations in history.
Customer Reviews:
Don't Bother.......2007-06-11
We just returned from a month in China and needless to say we shipped this book back stateside. Very disapointed in it Was more like reading some other persons vacation instead of giving helpful tips of where to go and what to see.
Disappointing second edition.......2007-04-06
This 2006 second edition follows the first edition of two years earlier. Some of the detailed listings (including such things as hotel tariffs and phone numbers) have changed, a very few towns or attractions have been added or deleted, and a four-page introductory chapter, What's New in China has been added listing some of the few changes.
The revision can scarcely be described as thorough. The remark that Chinese currency is "not easily obtainable overseas" has not been true generally since well before the date of this new edition; the report concerning the Lhasa railway, that "foundations have already (sic!) been laid for over half the track", speaks of a thousand-kilometre railway which opened for service on 2nd July in the year of publication, years after foundations for "over half the track" had been completed. The fewness of changes to tariffs, charges and phone numbers suggests that checking has been far from complete.
Each chapter is attributed to an individual author. The puzzle is that, although with only one exception every chapter in the new edition is attributed to a different author from the chapter in the first edition, most of the text is identical. Nowhere does this edition seem to acknowledge the contribution of the original authors. Perhaps an essential ingredient of plagiarism is a degree of furtiveness that is lacking her, and perhaps the original authors agreed to their text being attributed to others; but the reader is entitled, observing the differences of asserted authorship, to expect revision and rewriting altogether more substantial than what has occurred.
Any guidebook to such a vast country as China faces the danger that thinness of coverage will limit its usefulness, and that calls for the greatest discipline in deciding what should be included and what may be left out. In large measure, this book fails that test. In particular, it fails comparison with what has become, whether begrudgingly or otherwise, the industry standard - Lonely Planet.
Roughly comparable with Lonely Planet China in terms of weight, Frommer's China contains substantially less text. The book has no qualities to outweigh that disadvantage.
Jaded; sarcastic; superficial, and inaccurate.......2006-09-19
I might give Frommer's 3 stars for quantity of content, but when I compare what they've written with the places I'm familiar with (and I've been in China over 20 years), I find their negative, jaded slant puts such a spin on some places that they are unrecognizable.
For example, Frommer's online description of Xiamen reads: "Much of the island is a hideous white-tiled wasteland to match anything else in China, but even so, the odd turret and spire reflect the city's pride in its stock of original European architecture." From that description, one would have no idea that Xiamen is in fact one of China's most beautiful cities, loved by foreigners and Chinese alike for its natural beauty and historic heritage. In fact, Xiamen won the gold in the 2002 Livcom Awards competition in Germany, (the "Oscar" of environmental awards), and it has won numerous other international awards.
The authors wrote that Gulangyu Islet is supposedly the "Piano Island" but "no one seems to have told the locals." Did they talk to the locals? Gulangyu Islet is known throughout Asia for its pianos (1 in 5 families has one). If their writing about Xiamen, my adopted home, is so inaccurate, how can I trust what they write about other areas of China?
I'm used to the sarcasm of jaded travelers and their jaded travel guides; I even chuckle at some of it. But Frommer's takes it a bit far this time. They remind me of the fictitious author of the hilarious fictitious guidebook to the Asian country "Phaic Tan" who said, "I visit every place twice--the first time to experience it and the second time to complain about the changes."
I don't think Frommer's need visit China a third time. I'll stick with Lonely Planet.
Over 800 pages, but still too thin!.......2006-09-17
Frommer's "China Complete" tries hard to include a lot of information, but there's just not enough room in "only" 800 pages to pack it all in. Let's face it, China is too big a country to be covered adequately by an all-in-one guidebook. I'd definitely go for more specialized, regional and city, guidebooks whenever you can find them.
For something more inclusive, though, I can suggest two possibilities, especially for first-timers: (1) "Frommer's China: The 50 Most Memorable Trips" and (2) "The Eyewitness Travel Guide to China." The Eyewitness Guide is very attractive and informative visually, while "50 Trips" has excellent descriptive text and not a single photograph! You could decide which one to buy, depending on your own preferred orientation (visual or text). Both do a fine job of describing China's many cultural sights: temples, palaces, gardens, and more. They are cultural guides, rather than "Frommer's Complete" all-things-to-all-people approach, but I prefer them for that very reason. In trying to do too much, "Frommer's Complete" doesn't really fit the bill.
A userful guide with some shortcomings.......2005-07-22
To begin with, readers should know that this guide was severly pared down, which explains why there are so few budget hotels and budget restaurants listed. Many section writers knew plenty of cheaper hotels and restaurants, but due to space limitations the decision was made by the publisher to list only the upper-level accomodations. This is partly because Frommer's really isn't geared towards the budget traveller.
The Beijing section is excellent, and you should go with their recommendation of staying at the Far East International Hostel, or the hotel across from it.
I am suprised by the review that felt that the authors had never been to China. In fact, all of the authors were actually foreign residents of China. While this means that they have a more intimate understanding of their region, it often means that they are less focused on the area as a travelling destination, which may explain why they don't go into the kinds of historical and cultural detail that a travel writer (who is experiencing the city differently) might.
Also, it means that much of the recommendations for certain sections of the book are not at all written from a traveller's perspective. In particular, the section on Chengdu focuses nearly all of its restaurants in the middle-south of the city. After hearing locations described in terms of their proximity to the US Consulate three times, it certainly makes me suspect that the writer of the section spent a long time there. In fact, 7 of 12 of the restaurants were located no more than half a mile from the consulate. Good luck finding a description of many places to eat within a 30 minute walk of the fairly popular Dragon Town Hostel (which, although offering pretty good accomodation, was not mentioned at all in the guide) located slightly northwest of center.
As other reviewers have noted, the section on Shanghai is pretty worthless. Even the editor of the book will tell you this. Against his recommendation, the publisher cobbled on a highly shortened version of the already out-of-date Frommer's Shanghai into the Shanghai section of the book. It is out of date and not all that helpful as a guide.
For those who travel to a new place just to try the food, you'll love this book. It has an entire section in the back listing common dishes, dishes unique to featured restaurants, and specialities. The listing includes Chinese characters and pinyin.
If your travel plans include Beijing, this book is a must. If you're going only to Shanghai, choose any other book.
Book Description
Frommer's. The best trips start here.
Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer.
* Including excursions to the New Territories, the most accessible outlying islands, and Macau.
* Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
* Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
* Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.
Find great deals and book your trip at Frommers.com
Download Description
A discriminating guide to a great time in Hong Kong. Offers the lowdown on the best hotels, restaurants, sights, nightlife, and shopping.
Customer Reviews:
Handy and complete.......2006-06-12
Just got back from a quick jump over to HK and Macau for business and I brought this book along. Contrary to some other readers reviews, I found the book absolutely invaluable! The walking tours were quite insightful and with good directions and time estimates -I never got lost. Some of my most memorable experiences were from the walking tours in HK. The information was accurate and concise. It provided everything I needed to know about getting to the outlying islands on my free day, getting to the airport and getting around town. Nightlife recommendations were great for the foreign visitor on business. I compared the recommendations to that in Lonely Planet and my own experience and I thought the Frommer's was a lot more true to the scene than Lonely Planet. I didn't run into any snags while using the Frommer's book. I also took a side trip to Macau with the book and had a great time. Info was accurate, although the maps a little inadequate, but nothing a quick stop into the tourist office couldn't solve. I'd highly recommend the book and I'd pass it along to any colleagues or friends who might be going to HK since it never failed me once.
Woefully Inadequate.......2003-12-05
If there is a hell for travel writers, I hope Beth Reiber will burn in it. The useful information in this book could be condensed into a postage stamp size guide: One good Dim Sum Restaurant, one good Macanese Restaurant and one walk in The Western District. I recently traveled with this book to Hong Kong. I had a Hong Kong resident as a companion and still got lost using this book. Ms. Reiber recommends a walking tour of Kowloon, but does not bother to place the last four destinations on the included map. Nor does she say that you will encounter two rivers of humanity flowing in both directions that will turn a fifteen minute walk into a half hour hike. It is easier for salmon to swim upstream to spawn than it is to find the Bird Market in Kowloon. She also recommends a Kowloon park that is not even on the visitor map! (Just hop on the bus, she says. It stops across from the park. Hah!) We took the bus to Stanley after seeing Victoria Peak. The bus ride is interesting but time consuming. First time travelers on a three day holiday will never be able to complete her suggested three day tour. Taxis speed things up at night, but get snarled in traffic during the day. I was there six days and saw most of the things on her list, including a side trip to Macao, but only by the grace of God did my Hong Kong friend and I find the ruins of Saint Paul's Cathedral, so inadequate were the included maps. As for the unnecessary words: Anyone can walk into a four star hotel and find a great restaurant. If you follow Ms. Reiber's restaurant suggestions you'll be eating either Very Expensive or Expensive (her categories) most of the time. If you like to shop, which I do not, I'm sure you'll find Ms. Reiber's book helpful; she drags you through every major complex of shops on her walking tours. Rick Steves she ain't. So if you are planning a trip to Hong Kong you can buy this book, but get some good maps as a supplement and draw out your routes in advance. A few things Ms. Reiber doesn't mention: The locals seem to think that tea is a disinfectant for chop sticks and soup spoons. Bring a pack of Kleenex with you to a neighborhood restaurant, because napkins are not provided. And forget about breathing clean air while you are in Hong Kong. However, the city is full of delights and I intend to return, now that I know my way around.
This book is not updated. Many names dont exist any more........2001-11-24
What have the frommers done is Just duplicating the old edition with a new name. This so called 2001 edition " frommer's hong kong 6th eddition" has so many names I could not look up on the internet mainly because they were sold to another company with a different name. The air lines they suggested dont even fly to hong kong any more. Many restaurants were nonexistant. Things are changing rapidly in Hong Kong. Frommers has not kept up with those changes. Seems like a [price] rip off scam to me.
Good luck.
Great Book!.......2001-11-10
This is a good tour book tell you all you need to wrap before your traveling. This book also help you to control your travel budget and tailor your travel into your appetite! So how can you travel to Hong Kong without this one?
One of the best.......2001-02-03
This is a really excellent, accurate, and carefully researched guide, full of helpful information. Note however that it is not BY Arthur Frommer, who publishes a magazine and lends his name to the series, but no longer writes guide books--the author is Beth Reiber. She is right on top of her subject, and you couldn't ask for a better, more complete guide to Hong Kong.
Book Description
This is a detailed, user-friendly, and up-to-the-minute guide to Beijing, China's capital and its major gateway city. We'll take you to the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall, and show you how to plunge into the city's shopping scene and discover the best local restaurants. It can be difficult for Western visitors to communicate and find their way around in such a vast, fast-paced, and bewildering city, but we've made it easy for you to explore on your own, with detailed directions, accurate maps, practical logistical advice, and etiquette tips. We've also included a handy appendix of useful Chinese phrases, and establishment names are listed in both English and Chinese characters, making it easier for you to get around and find the places you're looking for. Our author, an experienced China traveler who has written about the country for years, offers valuable insights and paints a vivid picture of a city that's undergoing one of the most fascinating cultural and economic transformations in history.
Download Description
""...A good starting point for those who have felt the lure of the ancient Chinese capital but are unsure how to set about getting there. Should be one of the first books people turn to."" —Pittsburgh Tribune, 5/2000
You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go-they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!
This is a detailed, user-friendly, and up-to-the-minute guide to Beijing, China's capital and its major gateway city. We'll take you to the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall, and show you how to plunge into the city's shopping scene and discover the best local restaurants. It can be difficult for Western visitors to communicate and find their way around in such a vast, fast-paced, and bewildering city, but we've made it easy for you to explore on your own, with detailed directions, accurate maps, practical logistical advice, and etiquette tips. We've also included a handy appendix of useful Chinese phrases, and establishment names are listed in both English and Chinese characters, making it easier for you to get around and find the places you're looking for. Our authors, experienced China travelers who've written about the country for years, offer valuable insights and paint a vivid picture of a city that's undergoing one of the most fascinating cultural and economic transformations in history.
Customer Reviews:
Essential..........2007-10-05
This book was such a helpful reference for the culture and history of Biejing! Not only did it lead us to some of the most incredible historical sights and restaurants, but it also prepped us for the culture shock that we experienced. I will purchase Frommers guides for every place I travel from this experience forward...don't leave the hotel without it!!
Frommer's Beijing.......2007-08-28
I love to see picture on traveling books. This one does not have too many pictures. I wish they will insert more picture in it. It's nothing like seeing the actual thing in picture before you get to the destination.
Beijing in your pocket!.......2006-12-29
Great guide book with lots of good recommendations, especially for restaurants and long walks - the last one of these takes you out of the way and provides a v. different view of the City than the usual sights. Book handily fits in your pocket or bag with little coffee book type information - a few more photographs would be nice though. Also liked the itinerary suggestions, guiding you in the art of what's possible during a stay of any length. Try the tea shop district mentioned for a memorable experience, and some nice tasting souvenirs!
Very good guide, marred by bad editing and difficult-to-use maps.......2006-11-13
Good guidebook, small enough to carry with us, big enough to be useful. The recommendations are usually right-on, and the walking tours are a great addition. Overall quite accurate given how quickly things change. My only quibble with the content is that sometimes it feels the author tries too hard to be "different" and find unique places at the expense of listing better but well-known places. It could also be improved by more use of Chinese characters and less use of pinyin.
The guidebook is, however, marred -- almost ruined -- by the maps. The maps themselves are fine. The problem is the large number of typos (which could be fixed by a good editing), and even more so by the inexplicable lack of any cross referencing from the maps to the rest of the book. Say you are at a place and want to find a nearby place to eat. You look at the map, and find a nearby numbered diamond (marking restaurants). What is the name? Unfortunately, the restaurant names are listed alphabetically, not by number, making it difficult to find which one among the 20+ listed. Then you find it, but only the name is provided. What food is served? What are the hours? How much does it cost? To find that you need to read the descripiton. How to find the descripiton? You need to look at what *section* the map is showing, then find the same *section* in the dining guide, then search the entire section as the restaurants are listed alphabetically within the price range, so the restaurant you want could be anywhere. THERE IS NO LISTING IN THE MAP PROVIDING THE PAGE NUMBERS OF THE DESCRIPTIONS. Trying to find the description of places is even more difficult, as the descriptions are spread out among several chapters: does it have its own description? Is it in the park section? Somewhere else? What an utterly utterly stupid oversight, whoever decided not to include page numbers should be fired. While the maps can be used, everything takes at least 10x longer than needed.
Hint: you can fix the above problem by spending 30 minutes before you leave making the page numbers of associated descriptions in the maps. But why should you have to?
The Best.......2006-11-04
Frommer's knows what they are doing. I feel like a native in Beijing now.
Book Description
You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go -- they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!
Shanghai, the most progressive and international of the mainland cities in China (and also the largest), already attracts millions of visitors annually. Recent projects, new attractions, and a booming nightlife and restaurant scene are making Shanghai an even more popular tourist destination. The world's tallest hotel--the 88-story Grand Hyatt, with the world's highest hotel swimming pool--is emblematic of Shanghai's modern style.
Frommer's Shanghai includes a Chinese Language Appendix, plus Chinese translations of hotel, restaurant, and attraction names. You'll also find special tips for business travelers, plus sections on Chinese ways and manners, the pros and cons of joining a tour and traveling on your own, and the best shopping buys. There are lots of accurate two-color maps plus complete details on getting there, getting around, and coping with the language barrier.
Customer Reviews:
Decent book.......2007-03-25
This book has a few more useful pieces of information that Lonely Planet may not have but I found the LP format to be better laid out. This book does better than LP in the respect of including the Chinese characters on the city maps and also for destinations, hotels, addresses, etc.
Book Description
You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go--they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, authoritative cultural coverage, and dozens of accurate maps. You'd be lost without us!
An in-depth and extremely personal guide written by an experienced China traveler, Frommer's China: The 50 Most Memorable Trips brings a new approach to the standard guidebook formula. China is still unfamiliar territory to most travelers, and other guides are a daunting 1,000 pages long--readers are overwhelmed with too much information when they first try to decide where to go. Our guide, however, chooses the top highlights, and our author describes his own experience at each destination, in a personal and highly entertaining article. Each piece is then supplemented with all the practical details you need to plan and replicate the author's experience if it appealed to you.
You'll also find gorgeous color photos that bring to life the majesty and diveristy of this vast country, plus a Chinese character key, valuable cultural insights, and practical information on everything from transportation to etiquette.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing secondary guide.......2007-10-08
Seasoned travellers know that you can't go to a country where you don't speak the language without a translatable dictionary and a guide that just lists sites and hotels - Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Let's Go, Rick Steves. But, true insight into a country and it's travel secrets cannot be found in a list of accommodations and things to see. To this end, the aforementioned guides offer little.
This is where 50 Memorable trips comes in. It gives you a walk through a town with commentary on hidden places and eateries so all you do is follow the path on the maps provided. We even used this hiking several mountains and the maps proved invaluable. Since the book is about a person's experience, of course it showcases the author's frustrations but also his sheer amazement and delight. As we got stuck on the top of Huang Shan after 5 hours of hiking, we were overjoyed that at least we got beds and a roof over our head, unlike Mr. Brown and his night on the mountain. His accounts are real experiences, both the good and the bad, creating a connection with readers and their own journey.
Other reviews are misleading - not a good choice.......2005-03-25
I bought this guide book over the others, including Lonley Planet, based on these reviews and those of Lonely Planet China on Amazon. My experience is this is a fine book to read before you go to China, but a terrible guide for navigating your way through China.
I just returned from spending a month traveling to different cities. This book is heavily biased and does not allow the reader to make informed decisions. The author clearly has an opinion about everywhere to go and what he thinks, but the book doesn't give the reader a chance to disagree. You could very well miss out on some wonderful aspects of China b/c this book is not as comprehensive as others and you wouldn't even know you were missing out. Also, I wasn't happy with recommended hotels and restaurants as they are all quite pricey. Plus, there are many discrepancies with other Frommer's books (which this one is a part of) - for example, there is a vegetarian restaurant in Shanghai the author recommends highly which is called overrated by the other Frommer's book. And the other book is actually more correct.
This book also assumes a certain level of experience with China. I had not been to China before and found travel suggestions ridiculous. For example, he says you should be able to get on a bus yourself at some obscure corner to go to the Summer Palace from Beijing, and scoffs at those who would choose otherwise and get ripped off. Well, if you speak and can read Mandarin Chinese, then that is fine. Otherwise, in a city where taxi drivers do not speak English, getting somewhere on a bus is nearly impossible.
I would just like to warn anyone going to China b/c you do not want to be left there without a good guide book. It is so critical to have good directions that are user friendly and objective. Otherwise, you will end up trying to find a better book when you get there and be frustrated along the way.
An almost perfect guide to China.......2003-04-18
I have lived in China for most of the past year and travelled extensively in China for the past five years. Often on my travels, Brown's book is a trusted companion when visiting one of his 50 sites. His insightful and personal accounts of his experiences are both entertaining and educational. What I like most about this book is that Brown likes China and appreciates its differences. This is not true of all guide books, especially Lonely Planet's China who delights in complaining about just about everything. Unfortunately, for guide book writers, China is changing so fast, much of Brown's information on hotels and restaurants is out of date. Restaurants and hotels sometimes disappear and new ones take their place. With that one exception, I found his information to be accurate and useful. Whether you are an old hand in China or making your first trip, this book is a must buy.
China Seen Through Chinese Eyes.......2002-08-08
This is the only English tour book I've found so far that looks at China through Chinese eyes. The author weaves a tapestry of place in China, providing a glimpse at the rich history and culture that surround each memorable spot. When seen through the author's eyes, China shines with a an ancient aura unexperienced by most tourists -- like a beautiful rainbow that can only be seen from the right angle.
The author mentions famous poets, painters, historical figures, religious hagiography and provides a glimpse of the sweep of dynasties. The text evokes China's fascinating past with snippets of famous Chinese poems, insightful historical references and pointers about books that will widen your cultural horizon. His sense of awe and majesty bring back a sadly fading dimension that has been purged by the current regime, and is all too often lost in the glossy world of tourism literature.
While this book also can be used as a how-to-do-it guidebook, it's true value lies in providing tantalizing panoramas of time and place in China. My only wish is that the author would provide even more cultural information, so that what we see during our visits would be somewhat closer to the rich, captivating landscapes the educated Chinese person sees. Even with this book, so many spots of immense historical and cultural significance are simply beyond the ken of most travelers. Sadly, without books like this one, a visit to China is akin to going to a 3-D movie without the special 3-D goggles.
Great selection as a collaborating guide for China........2001-06-08
In Frommer's China expert J. D. Brown gives us more of a travel log than a travel guide, which in this case is a refreshing change. Very few people have seen China as extensively as J. D. Brown. His recording of his actual experience at each of the 50 destination will stimulate new itineraries for you to consider. Brown states, " In this guide I've recorded in as frank detail as possible 50 of my most memorable travels in China."
If you are going to Cruise the Yangzi River (Three Gorge Dan) this is is best description in a travel book available today. Also superb is his "Great Wall" write up. Brown's `Summer Palace' write up, while good, criticized the British and French for their terrible act of destroying the original palace, but said nothing of the destruction caused by Mao's henchman.
His recommendations for accommodations often have web site address and email (an important additions that many other guides omit), and Brown's restaurant and hotel recommendations are reliable and commendable.
On the weak side this 'travel log' lacks the interesting information that is found in other guide, i.e., understanding of Mao's Communist China, Tiananmen Square commentary, modern China, etc. The accommodations and dining recommendations are very light and maps are few and far between.
What Brown has done is give us a valuable supplement to use in conjunction with your China travel guide (see my reviews on Rough Guide China and Lonely Planet China for highly recommended guides). Again this is not my first choices in guides for selecting hotels, restaurant etc. BUT it is often my first choice for descriptions of select sites and my first selection as a collaborating guide to supplement my primary guide. Highly Recommended.
Book Description
You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go -- they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!
Shanghai, the most progressive and international of the mainland cities in China (and also the largest), already attracts millions of visitors annually. Recent projects, new attractions, and a booming nightlife and restaurant scene are making Shanghai an even more popular tourist destination. The world's tallest hotel--the 88-story Grand Hyatt, with the world's highest hotel swimming pool--is emblematic of Shanghai's modern style.
Frommer's Shanghai includes a Chinese Language Appendix, plus Chinese translations of hotel, restaurant, and attraction names. You'll also find special tips for business travelers, plus sections on Chinese ways and manners, the pros and cons of joining a tour and traveling on your own, and the best shopping buys. There are lots of accurate two-color maps plus complete details on getting there, getting around, and coping with the language barrier.
Customer Reviews:
Poorly designed.......2006-07-17
The maps make it very hard to figure out where you are, and all the pages look alike. You'd be much better served with the Time Out or Lonely Planet guides.
3rd edition a BIG improvement.......2006-03-17
Some of the previous reviews are about the 2nd edition which was weak. The 3rd edition appears to be a significant rewrite, and is much better. All the salient info is there, from an author who obviously has not only "been there" but understands the nuances of Chinese culture. Can't wait for the 4th edition!
Easy overview.......2005-09-06
This book gives you an easy overview over attractions and the maps are quite fullfilling. Really a good guide book.
It could just be me, but I think there is to much info on hotels and restaurants. I'm normally the person to think "there is a lot of people in that restaurant we just passed - Lets go eat there". Regarding hotels I tend to book from home at the internet and just need the star rating, the website and "tips on how to get the best rate".
But if you flip through the hotel and restaurant pages, everything looks to be squeezed in and if you need it - then you REALLY need it - I guess that I would be really angry, if I ended up stranded in Shanghai without a good hotel listing ;-)
So the only negative I have is the quality of the paper. I think you will wear the book down if you go a lot to Shanghai.
Ole, Denmark
Out of date and abbreviated travel book.......2004-10-11
I haven't even left for Shanghai yet and I know this book is a disappointment in comparing it with my friend's Lonely Planet and doing some quick online research. It said there weren't any youth hostels (there are several) and the book is lacking a metro map and even a decent street map! The "exploring Shanghai" section is embarrassing small, I don't know if I would be able to keep myself occupied during my visit if this were to be my only guide.
So-so.......2004-07-05
Usually I am very pleased with the quality of Frommer's guide books, but not this time. Some of the information is out-of-date and some is not useful at all. For example, the places to eat and stay it recommends - after visiting Shanghai and exploring the scene first-hand, I was smiling at their suggestions. It seems like they hired a blind gilrscout to spend a couple of hours in the city and then write the whole book about it. Maybe I am not being completely fair, but there is a grain of truth in my words. Luckily I had two guide books with me - the second one being Insight Guide Shanghai, and the latter comes highly recommended. It has plenty of colorful pictures and the information is a bit more useful. So, in conclusion: Frommer did a decent job on this one, but noticeably below their standars, so if you are heading to Shanghai - there are other guides to choose from.
Average customer rating:
- So Disappointed!
- Of little value...
- Nice guide for us shopaholics.
|
Frommer's Born To Shop: Hong Kong, Shanghai & Beijing
Suzy Gershman
Manufacturer: Hungry Minds
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Hong Kong
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| China
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Beijing
| China
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Shanghai
| China
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Guidebooks
| Reference & Tips
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Frommer's
| Guidebook Series
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Frommer's Portable Hong Kong
-
Frommer's Beijing (Frommer's Complete)
ASIN: 0028636716 |
Book Description
These compact, handy guides are packed with insider tips on where to find the most fabulous fashions, the most unique gifts, and the best bargains on everything from antiques to housewares. Includes all the big names, and a "Best of" chapter that pinpoints exactly where to find the finest. Also included is a handful of the author's favorite places to stay and eat.
Customer Reviews:
So Disappointed!.......2002-07-29
Suzy's Hong-Kong only book was wonderful. It recommended specific shops, not just neighborhoods, for every type of good imaginable. It also gave fantastic hints like where not to bother looking if you wear a size on the upper end of the spectrum.
The new book including Shanghai and Beijing is next to worthless. All of the shop recommendations for HK have been ommited. Some of my favorites from "Born to Shop Hong Kong", like Gemsland in the Mandarin Hotel, deserve to be mentioned as providing amazing service, great quality and reasonable prices to every visitor planning on coming to HK.
I purchased the book in preparation for an upcoming trip to Shanghai. With the exception of the overview of the markets, very little else was of use. There are almost no local shop (non-department store) recommendations and suggestions for totally random (and useless?) things like wedding photos. In fact it only gives shopping suggestions for 9 categories- and included in that 9 are things like Drugstores. How are you going to Shop til You Drop in a drugstore?
Additionally, the index is horrible. There is a whole paragraph on the Hoabao Building in the Yu Gardens, but good luck finding any reference to it in the index. This is just one example, there are many more.
I was so disappointed in this book. Entirely way too much time spent on travel logistics. Anyone going to China is not going to purchase this book as their sole resource guide. Leave the logistics to those who do it best, and spend more time on where to shop!
Of little value..........2001-09-18
The author hasn't a clue as to how to negotiate with the Chinese and does not give the correct warnings or prices. She is a "princess". I just returned from my 31st trip to China. There is almost no silk or original merchandise at the Silk Market. However, it is a lot of fun. There is not a shirt or blouse there that cannot be bought for 30 yuan ($3.60). North Face knockoffs can be bought for 130 yuan ($15.60) for their most expensive long jacket. Pearls at the Hong Qiao (Pearl) Market are of very low quality. Most strands cost about 100 yuan ($12). Learn the difference between salt water and fresh water pearls and how to tell the quality difference. Know how to tell if the pearls are fake before you go there. The fourth floor stores are just a different form of marketing pearls so don't be fooled by their nicer western look. Remember that only the store knows their price - and they will only sell to you if they can make a profit. Always walk away after making an what you may consider an absurd offer and after you let them know that you really want to buy the item. Make them make at least two offers before you make your absurd offer. There is not relationship between their initial offfer and what the item is worth. All this takes a lot of time so be prepared. Comparison shop before buying. All stores carry the same items.
Nice guide for us shopaholics........2001-04-20
I purchased Suzy's last edition on Hong Kong, to guide me around this great shopping city. It was very helpful. She tells you the places to forget, and the places not to be missed. When I heard that she was releasing a new edition with Shanghai & Beijing, I purchased it also, for an upcoming trip to Beijing. I was a little disapointed to find that she had trimmed alot off of the Hong Kong section to make room for the mainland cities. But it's still a must have if shopping is on your "to do" list. Suzy seemed to list all the things I wanted to buy on my trip, she does have impecable taste.
Average customer rating:
- Suzy makes bargain shopping a travel adventure.
- A 'must have' for visiting and shopping in Hong Kong
|
Frommer's Born to Shop Hong Kong 7th Edition (Frommer's Complete Guides)
Suzy Gershman
Manufacturer: Hungry Minds
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Retailing
| Industries & Professions
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Shopping & Commerce
| Reference
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Consumer Guides
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Hong Kong
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| China
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Southeast
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Guidebooks
| Reference & Tips
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Frommer's
| Guidebook Series
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0028617703 |
Customer Reviews:
Suzy makes bargain shopping a travel adventure........1998-12-14
If you're a bargain hunter, Born to Shop Hong Kong is a must! Almost every one of Suzy's recommendations are stellar. She makes it easy for you to find those one of a kind treasures to bring home-at discount prices. The book groups stores in geographical areas and provides easy to follow maps so you save time. For those who get tired of shopping, she offers unique sightseeing tips such as the Opera singers at Temple market. The restaurants she recommends are frequently entertaining in themselves, such as the one with a doctor who prescribes a meal based on your health. She's a friendly, funny writer with honest reviews of merchants. Her advice on avoiding tourist traps will save you time and money. I was in Hong Kong alone but felt like I had a friend along in Suzy's book. Suzy takes you places the average tourist would never experience. My sister, a flight attendant who just moved from Hong Kong and a co-worker who leads trips to the area had not been to many spots I visited-thanks to Suzy. "Born to Shop" has specific transportation advice on reaching your destination, includes conversion charts and it's a perfect purse size with a stain resistant plastic cover! She thought of everything. I'm going to France next and you can be sure I will buy Born to Shop Paris.
A 'must have' for visiting and shopping in Hong Kong.......1998-12-04
This book was my bible for 10 days in H.K. Not only were all the shopping recommendations right on, the hotels, especially The Conrad, and resturants were all excellent recommendations. Now what Suzy needs to do is write a book for the rest of China!
Average customer rating:
- Excellent and portable!
- Best of the Beijing travel books
- Pretty good Guide Book, but Lonely Planet's is better...
- Great Book to Get around Beijing
- A good place to start......
|
Frommer's Beijing
J. D. Brown
Manufacturer: Frommer's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| China
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Beijing
| China
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Guidebooks
| Reference & Tips
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Frommer's
| Guidebook Series
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0764565230 |
Book Description
"...A good starting point for those who have felt the lure of the ancient Chinese capital but are unsure how to set about getting there. Should be one of the first books people turn to." —Pittsburgh Tribune, 5/2000
You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go-they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!
This is a detailed, user-friendly, and up-to-the-minute guide to Beijing, China's capital and its major gateway city. We'll take you to the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall, and show you how to plunge into the city's shopping scene and discover the best local restaurants. It can be difficult for Western visitors to communicate and find their way around in such a vast, fast-paced, and bewildering city, but we've made it easy for you to explore on your own, with detailed directions, accurate maps, practical logistical advice, and etiquette tips. We've also included a handy appendix of useful Chinese phrases, and establishment names are listed in both English and Chinese characters, making it easier for you to get around and find the places you're looking for. Our author, an experienced China traveler who's written about the country for years, offers valuable insights and paints a vivid picture of a city that's undergoing one of the most fascinating cultural and economic transformations in history.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent and portable!.......2003-06-01
I found this book to be extremely helpful during my travel in Beijing. Loved the section on Beijing Strolls! The maps are excellent and the historical/cultural vignettes were entertaining as well as informative. I liked this book better than Lonely Planet.
Best of the Beijing travel books.......2002-09-29
I spent two weeks in Beijing and took Fodors, Lonely Planet and this book. This book was the most helpful and informative by far. In a country where few speak English, Frommer's tells you step by step how to make the most of the sights. For example, Frommer's is the only book that directs you to the audio tape rental at the Forbidden city. You can't find it without the guidebook and without the audio tape you are lost among one of the nations most prized and awe inspiring treasures.
In addidtion to the great maps and guides of the main attractions, I particularly enjoyed the Beiging Strolls section which led me to the best shopping, parks and my favorite find...the antique street called Liulichang.
Get it, go and conquor!
Pretty good Guide Book, but Lonely Planet's is better..........2001-07-13
Right now I am in Beijing with a group from my school. Everybody brought guides, mostly by Frommer's or Lonely Planet. So far I've found that Lonely Planet's guidebook has more accurate locations, prices and recommendations of restaurants and sites than Frommer's, and it is easier to use. Frommer's is an OK guide for extensive descriptions and walking tours, but getting the Lonely planet version will make getting around Beijing and a lot easier and hassle-free.
Great Book to Get around Beijing.......2001-03-02
Because Beijing is rapidly changing, it will be hard for this book to maintain total accuracy with the city. However, I found this book extremely useful in getting around Beijing. My personal favorite section is the "Beijing Strolls". I was only able to complete two of the strolls, and they were both well worth it.
A good place to start.............2001-02-11
I bought this guide along with a few others for an upcoming trip. I found it to be informative and up-to-date. They give you honest opinions, steering you clear of the tourist traps, and telling you what not to miss. They list restaurants for every budget, and give a few suggestions for day trips out of Beijing, as well as good walking tours of the city. If you go, this is a nice guide to take along.
Average customer rating:
|
Frommer's Beijing (Frommer's Complete)
Jen Lin-Liu , and
Sherisse Pham
Manufacturer: Frommers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Reference & Tips
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
| Beaches
| Business Travel
| Cruises
| Essays & Travelogues
| Food & Lodging
| Guidebooks
| Pictorial
| Reference
| Spas
| Tips
| Tourist Destinations & Museums
| Travel Writing
Frommer's
| Guidebook Series
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| China
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Beijing
| China
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0470175931 |
Books:
- Frommer's Scandinavia (Frommer's Complete)
- Frommer's Scotland's Best-Loved Driving Tours, Fifth Edition
- Guide to the John Muir Trail
- Hiking California's Desert Parks, 2nd: A Guide to the Greatest Hiking Adventures in Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree, Mojave, and Death Valley (Regional Hiking Series)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Ireland For Dummies (Dummies Travel)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Peak Performance: Business Lessons from the World's Top Sports
- Infants and Children: Prenatal Through Middle Childhood
- Five Orchestral Pieces
- From Turnover to Teamwork: How to Build and Retain a Customer-Oriented Foodservice Staff
- Ivor Horton's Beginning Visual C++ 2005
- History: Fiction or Science
- History: Fiction or Science
- Republic Practice Set
- From Modernization to Globalization: Perspectives on Development and Social Change
- Hemlock Bay
China (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
China - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!)
Frommer's Hong Kong (Frommer's Complete)
National Geographic Traveler China (National Geographic Traveler)
