Wander China: Suzhou & Hangzhou (2006 Edition)

Author: Gao Yun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: The 2006 edition of the "China on Foot" series is now available! Here, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the friends who have helped and supported "China on Foot"! During the early planning stages of the "China on Foot" series, friends like Wang Jingsong and He Jiayuan participated and offered many insightful suggestions. In the early stages of the series' design and layout, Ms. Zuo Xiaorong and Ms. Wang Queli devoted significant effort! Thank you! During the actual creation process of "China on Foot," countless challenges were encountered. To provide readers with ample visual travel information, it has always been my ideal to create a travel book centered around photography, supported by fresh and practical travel details, and rich in the sense of exploration. I believe that in modern society, where everyone aspires to travel, a truly authentic travel book will undoubtedly be well-received! If you have any suggestions, please visit our website at http://www.chinaonfoot.com and send us an email or letter!
I am deeply grateful to my parents, Professor Gao Yaohua, Director of the Center for International Cultural Exchange of the United States, and Ms. Chen Xianqiong; internationally renowned artist Mr. Wang Jingsong; Fu Aimin, a Ph.D. student at Minzu University of China; Liu Kewu, a veteran of the China Aerospace Research Institute; Dr. Donald Woods and Mrs. Charlene Woods, Principals of the Swiss International School in Hong Kong; and, of course, my wife, Ms. Cheng Yanbin, for their immense support!
—Gao Yun's flowing and elegant writing allows you to fully enjoy the pleasure of reading. Designed in an international best-selling handbook format, it is specifically crafted for your pocket, making it convenient to carry and use. With a wealth of newly shot images, it provides you with the freshest visual information. Pioneering in Chinese travel books, its detailed illustrated index enables you to quickly and easily find the information you need. All the attractions, hotels, and restaurants introduced in this book are clearly marked on the maps, making it easy for you to navigate and always know your location.
Professional and thoughtful route designs are provided for your reference during your travels. A collection of regional cultures is compiled, allowing you to delve beyond the surface and understand the essence of the local area. Newly compiled information helps you plan your time accurately and save money.
The book features a wealth of newly shot images, providing you with the freshest visual information. Pioneering in Chinese travel books, its detailed illustrated index enables you to quickly and easily find the information you need. All the attractions, hotels, and restaurants introduced in this book are clearly marked on the maps, making it easy for you to navigate and always know your location.
The term "China on Foot" does not mean traveling alone. Rather, it emphasizes that your journey must be personalized. No matter how renowned or celebrated a destination may be, your travel must hold meaning and value for you. This is the philosophy of "China on Foot." We never suggest following a fixed travel pattern. Rushing from one enclosed tourist attraction to another is merely a form of consumption.
However, it is true that everyone has some responsibilities that may be more important than traveling. Without the time to explore the "weeds" and "rocks" of the road, we need "roaming knights" to pave the way for us. For Europeans, Marco Polo was their roaming knight to understand China. For Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian was his roaming knight to explore regions beyond the Western Regions of China. Xu Xiake was our role model, dedicating his life to collecting the "weeds" and "rocks" of the road. And we—"China on Foot"—will become your roaming knight, making you your own knight.