My published travel books
Newcomer's Handbook Country Guide: China: Including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen
This book was first published in June 2008 by the American publisher First Books, with a fully revised second edition released in September 2012. This coffee-table guide primarily focuses on Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, with additional information on Macau and Hong Kong.
The second edition expands coverage to include Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Tianjin, and Wuxi, alongside Macau and Hong Kong. Spanning 420 pages, it addresses culture shock, communication, and practical considerations such as what to bring, as well as Chinese history, housing, transportation, healthcare, and more.
This guide is particularly useful for individuals seeking employment in, or transferred to, China, emphasising the business and educational sectors. Unlike travel guides such as Lonely Planet, it is designed to help readers live and function effectively in China.
When I first arrived, I knew nothing of the language, customs, or culture. As I learned and adapted, I began keeping a daily diary, recording experiences such as renting a home or visiting a doctor—I was hospitalised twice in China due to road accidents—and other everyday necessities often taken for granted at home. In a challenging environment, language and cultural barriers can create significant obstacles.
I have written this book with passion to help expatriates avoid the hardships I faced. China is an extraordinary country, and I hope those who live there will enjoy their experience.
Profile on ForeignerInChina.com
Profile on China Travel 2.0 (Best China Blog Awards 2008)
Profile in China Daily Newspaper (both in print and online)
The second edition expands coverage to include Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Tianjin, and Wuxi, alongside Macau and Hong Kong. Spanning 420 pages, it addresses culture shock, communication, and practical considerations such as what to bring, as well as Chinese history, housing, transportation, healthcare, and more.
This guide is particularly useful for individuals seeking employment in, or transferred to, China, emphasising the business and educational sectors. Unlike travel guides such as Lonely Planet, it is designed to help readers live and function effectively in China.
When I first arrived, I knew nothing of the language, customs, or culture. As I learned and adapted, I began keeping a daily diary, recording experiences such as renting a home or visiting a doctor—I was hospitalised twice in China due to road accidents—and other everyday necessities often taken for granted at home. In a challenging environment, language and cultural barriers can create significant obstacles.
I have written this book with passion to help expatriates avoid the hardships I faced. China is an extraordinary country, and I hope those who live there will enjoy their experience.
Profile on ForeignerInChina.com
Profile on China Travel 2.0 (Best China Blog Awards 2008)
Profile in China Daily Newspaper (both in print and online)
China: Business Travellers Handbook
This book was published in March 2009 by British publisher, Stacey International. The handbook caters for the every need of the business traveller to this most complex and important of world business destinations. Catering for the needs of the discerning business traveller, Gorilla Guides are the vital passport to a successful and enjoyable trip, containing: Insider tips on how to get things done.
Industry overviews Insights from veteran of the international business community, Hotels of quality How to make the most of any free time, useful addresses and contact details, and detailed maps of key business districts. 'Gorilla Guides' are the essential companion that will guide you from the first stages of preparation through to the finer points of negotiating in the local style.
Industry overviews Insights from veteran of the international business community, Hotels of quality How to make the most of any free time, useful addresses and contact details, and detailed maps of key business districts. 'Gorilla Guides' are the essential companion that will guide you from the first stages of preparation through to the finer points of negotiating in the local style.