Search results for ""Odyssey Publications,Hong Kong""

This is a double-sided, folded information guide to Malaysia - an illustrated 'map sheet' for the visitor to aid planning and be carried whilst travelling - showing and describing the main attractions, and charting the culture. Map shows the states, major urban centres, geographical features, transport links and tourism destinations within Malaysia. Also included is cultural and historical information, World Heritage Sites and historical sites. 61 superb photos, historical photos and illustrations. Comprehensive notes are included with key tourism, cultural and historical information.

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To the modern reader, the Silk Road conjures up images of fabled cities and exotic lands, of long-gone empires and great conquerors. Place names such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khotan or Chang'an continue to fascinate with the richness of their past. In this authoritative book, Luce Boulnois explores the encounter between East and West across the vast continental expanse that separates the Mediterranean world from the Chinese one. She unravels in a clear and compelling way the complex threads that make up the history of these great overland trade routes, which allowed the transmission across the world of ideas and beliefs, techniques and works of art, helping to shape the civilizations that flourished along the way. How did the Romans, following in the footsteps of the Greeks, discover these far-flung regions? What did the Chinese know of the European world? How did they manage to keep the secret of silk manufacture safe for centuries? Did Marco Polo really go to China, or was he just a clever impostor? In navigating through these questions, Luce Boulnois enlightens us about the relationship between the East and the West and their influence on each other in the light of the latest archeological discoveries, while also taking into account the recent geopolitical upheavals that have swept through these regions. This book meets academic requirements while remaining as readable as a novel. This 2012 edition has been revised by Bradley Mayhew.

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Stretching to nearly 4,000 miles, the Yangzi is the third largest river in the world and without a doubt China's single most important river artery. These high quality hypsometric-shaded, relief maps feature numerous captions informing the traveler of geographical, cultural and historical facts about the river and surrounding areas along the upper and lower regions of the Yangzi.

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Women in Tang society enjoyed experimenting with ways to enhance their charms. Not only enthusiastically adopting fashion styles of foreigners who thronged the capital of Chang'an, they were also some of the earliest cross-dressers in history. Through a close-up look at excavated pottery figures and surviving gold and silver objects, a picture emerges of a remarkable open society in which women took an active part. The Close-Up series is the very first of its kind to give you fascinating, concise introduction to over 100 individual aspects of China and its to peoples, past and present. Each topic is presented by chosen experts in their fields who write with brevity for the intelligent reader. Illuminating text is supported by the work of international photographers, with maps and diagrams, to give a Close Up picture that satisfies curiosity while encouraging further reading. Together, the titles build up an encyclopedia covering every wonderful aspect of China, a vast country that is only now revealing its true mystery and magnificence.

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Illustrated map of Inle Lake showing tourist information & historical sites. Regional map of the South West Shan State highlighting trekking routes to the towns of Kalaw, Taunggyhi and Loikaw. Comprehensive notes with cultural and historical info on key places and people.

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An isolated and remote country, unspoiled by mass tourism, Myanmar aka Burma is for the curious traveller, not the average tourist. Odyssey's latest handbook takes readers to the most famous cities and sites as well as beaches and mountains. Travel the great Ayeyarwady River to Kipling's Mandalay, the last of Burma's royal capitals, and explore the exotic Inle Lake whose inhabitants live on floating islands overgrown with flowers and lush vegetation. And, of course, meet the people of this richly varied land, from the northern hill tribes to the amiable Burmans themselves. "Myanmar: Burma in Style" intelligently evokes the magic and the mystery of what was once by some reckoning the richest nation in Asia. This is not simply a travel guidebook. It is an illustrated account of the history, politics and culture of the people and the country. It includes literary excerpts and recommended reading as well as an introduction to the essential sites. A sixteen-page atlas together with three special photo-essays supplement the richly illustrated text.

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Home to one-fifth of the world's population and heir to the richest civilization in history, China continues to exert a magnetic attraction on visitors. Archaeological treasures, architectural masterpieces, stunning natural beauty and the inexhaustible variety of its people make any visit to China an unforgettable experience.China has so many diverse regions that visitors often have difficulty in knowing where to begin. This guide helps narrow the options. As well as detailed descriptions of the larger cities, their environs and all the main tourist sites, there is a selection of suggested expeditions for the more adventurous, including the more remote provinces and several climbable mountains. Special sections examine such topics as Chinese opera, calligraphy and painting, and opportunities for seeing unique wildlife.This is the ninth edition. It provides a concise introduction to China 'then' and China 'now'. It now features World Heritage Sites: China's 35 top cultural and scenic treasures. This classic, strong seller is thoroughly redesigned and updated. It provides coverage on select remote regions as well as the most visited cities and sites. It covers The Great Wall and China's modern architectural wonders. It is beautifully illustrated. It is updated by resident writers and researchers. It provides a comprehensive list of websites for further research and reading.

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This is a popular guidebook to the beautiful destination of New Zealand, with its green-and-golden land spread between snowy mountain peaks, and its winding coastline of island-studded bays and harbours. Waterfalls cascading through mossy gorges, bubbling geothermal areas, active volcanoes, magnificent stretches of sandy beach and cool fjords are among the highlights that attract travellers to this other land 'down under'. This well-researched and entertaining book provides an excellent overview of New Zealand's Maori culture, a special topic on Tolkien-related New Zealand, geological wonders, national parks and cities, in addition to a step-by-step tour of the country. This guide provides up-to-date, detailed information on New Zealand's many outdoor sporting activities, including diving, hiking, bird-watching and golf. If you like to travel in style, but don't want to miss anything along the way, this is the book for you. Are you feeling energetic enough to go bungy jumping at Queenstown or rafting the rapids of the Tongariro River? Does taking in a traditional Maori presentation sound intriguing? Are you a golfer who enjoys walking world-class fairways? Does getting close to nature by swimming with dolphins sound appealing? At the end of the day, how does a supremely soothing soak in a naturally heated thermal pool sound? This book has it all and more - comprehensive coverage of a land that boasts some of the world's most spectacular and diverse scenery, countless outdoor adventures, hospitable locals, and tourist facilities that will impress even the most discerning of travellers.

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Ancient even to the ancients, Egypt was a great nation a thousand years before the Minoan civilization was established in Crete. It was viewed by the Greeks and Romans of 2,000 years ago with the same awe with which we view ancient Rome and Greece today. A visit to Egypt is like a journey back in time, but the country offers much more than just its history. Made up almost entirely of desert, Egypt owes its past, present and future to a single body of water, the river Nile. This well-researched guide leads the reader on a journey through the ages from the tombs of the Pharoahs to the modern engineering feats of the Suez Canal and the mighty Aswan Dam. An excellent introduction to the most endlessly fascinating civilization in the world.

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China's drive into the 21st century has been fuelled by the relationship - and competition - between Beijing, considered by some observers to be the capital of capitals in China, and Shanghai, the nation's economic growth engine. The political and cultural history of China, since 1850, has in many ways been shaped by Beijing's exercise of policy over what was once a small shipping port and fishing centre. In little more than a century, Shanghai has cast off these nets and is rising to be the region's leading economic metropolis, a position it seems determined to hold, this time with Beijing's blessing. Beijing's majesty, well reflected in its cultural gems - the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven and the Ming Tombs - remains unfettered by the country's economic development. Observers and travellers alike will delight in seeing each city play out its colourful and dramatic role with the blessings of heaven and earth.Travellers to China must at some point visit both these dynamic cities. This vibrant third edition of "Beijing & Shanghai" brings readers up-to-date on what's hot and what's cool in China's twin cities. Combining the latest information about restoration, entertainment, transportation and accommodation with historical writing by acclaimed authors who describe each city's high and low moments, "Beijing & Shanghai" is the sophisticated guide to urban China that travellers have always wanted.This book is the third edition. It describes what's new and of note in the dynamic yin-yang cities. It provides a historical overview and practical information for the traveller. It covers Suzhou, Hangzhou & the Water Towns. It includes a select list of Internet websites that covers both cities. It provides literary excerpts. It is recommended reading.

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The newly revised fifth edition includes 368 pages, 100 illustrations, 13 maps, cultural sites and practical information.

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Ever since Marco Polo published his wide-eyed report on Khanbaligh, or Cambaluc, the city of the Mongol khans, Peking - as Beijing has been known for most of the past 300 years - has captured the Western imagination as few other ancient cities have. "Beijing Walks" presents six detailed walking tours of the most important historic quarters of the Chinese capital - the Forbidden City, the former Legation Quarter, Beihai Park, the Temple of Heaven, the Confucius Temple, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and the Olympic Village. All tours are placed in their imperial contexts and enlivened with traditional maps, drawings and photographs. Cohn offers vital information on everything from feng shui, Pekingese dogs and Peking duck to Peking Opera and the emperors' private lives, evoking the sights, sounds and smells of old Peking, its pleasures and its grandeur.

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This title includes: regional map of mighty Mekong river from source to sea; UNESCO World Heritage sites; French colonial Vientiane; exquisite Luang Prabang; Pak Ou Caves; Khone Pha Pheng Falls; and, coffee-growing regions. Laos has been discovered. Pristine and exotic in a changing world where other Asian cultures have been affected by rapid development, Laos is still green. The rivers mostly run free through sites well worth visiting, from the ancient Khmer temple of Vat Phou in the south to the former royal capital of Luang Prabang in the north. But if you want to see the old Laos you have to move fast. Luang Prabang, an exquisite little town on the banks of the life-giving Mekong, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the main Mecca for tourists. The town is home to some of the finest Buddhist temples anywhere. Charming old colonial mansions are now hotels, trendy restaurants, or upscale boutiques. Al fresco restaurants serving spicy Lao fare line the riverside. A night bazaar with dozens of stalls offers high-quality woven silk scarves, silver jewellery, and embroidered Hmong bedspreads, just a few of the popular wares available. Laos has a long, rich tradition of silk weaving, and textiles are not just a "best buy" for tourists. They represent the most important craftwork done in the country and in some ways define the Lao nation. Also on the Mekong, the capital Vientiane still has the look of a French provincial town complete with tree-lined streets, fading colonial buildings, and sidewalk cafes. Its trendy restaurants offer fusion cuisine as a counterpoint to traditional fiery Lao fare. The city's most prominent monument, Patuxai, closely resembles the pride of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe. Upstream from Luang Prabang, at the confluence of the Ou River, are the Pak Ou Caves, an easy day trip by long-tail boat through pastoral countryside and jungle-covered mountains. The two caves, etched over millennia out of limestone karst cliffs, contain hundreds of images of the Buddha donated by generations of believers. To get away from the heat along the river, travellers head to the Bolaven Plateau, a fertile upland area known for its cooler climate, dramatic waterfalls, and (thanks to the French) some of the best coffee in the world. This is the gateway to the higher mountains to the east and the hill tribes. A trip to southern Laos should include a visit to the spectacular the Khone Pha Pheng Falls, where the usually languid Mekong boils and tumbles through eight miles of wild cataracts that effectively close the river to navigation. One of the key attractions of Laos is the people. Sixty percent of the population is ethnic Lao, who migrated from China a millennium ago. The rest are largely upland people representing about fifty hill tribes. The Lao are mostly Theravada Buddhists who live in the valleys and are famed for being easy-going, party-loving and affable. A precious pearl of a country blessed with pristine natural beauty, exotic flora and rare fauna, Laos hosts the mighty Mekong for a significant distance during its almost 5,000 kilometre journey from the Tibetan Plateau to the sea. Whether you chose to travel by land or by water or both, Odyssey's "Illustrated "Map will enhance your journey both as a pre-trip planner and as a post-trip souvenir. Unfolded map size 991mm x 686mm.

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Stunningly illustrated with a clear overview of historical, cultural and social aspects, this third edition of Odyssey's popular guide to Kyrgyzstan provides fresh information on both southwestern Issyk Kul and northeast Naryn provinces as well as expanded Jalalabad province, Osh and Talas sections (including trekking by foot or horseback in the Chatkal valley to Sary Chelek). Whether exploring grass-roots accommodation of local nomadic families or mountainous adventures in the mighty Tien Shan range, this guide offers unparalleled insight into Kyrgyzstan's tremendous scenic beauty and diversity.It covers: historical and contemporary aspects of this fascinating, little-known land; new areas for trekking and mountaineering; and, sights and activities in each area to appeal to all interests. It includes: a practical Kyrgyz- and Russian-language guide with Cyrillic alphabet; essential tips for accommodation; useful websites; and, outstanding colour photography.

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Spanning the grand history of China from the Prehistoric 1500 B.C. to the 2008 Olympics, the perfect-for-classrooms chart crams facts, maps, time lines and dynasty breakdowns all into an easy-to-follow format. Learn how rulers were defeated, when heroes emerged to defend the country, when epic novels were written and more!

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"Beijing Portrait of a City" is a captivating collection of stories, essays, poetry and reminiscence by leading China authors, storytellers and academics, about a city they know from the inside. The book is the shared work of some of the city's finest writers who lead us through 'hutong' alleys, antique markets, artists' communities, gay bars, parks and the nostalgic streets of memory. They beguile with poems, amuse with camel anecdotes and thrill with two murder stories - one a genuine antique, the other a fictional contemporary. They take us back to the often-ignored Mongolian roots of the city and project forward to ask whether spectacular modern architecture will suffice to return Beijing to what it sees as its ancient place at the centre of the world. Compiled by Alexandra Pearson and Lucy Cavender, the book interweaves its written work with a collection of wry and telling photographs of different aspects of the city, creating a compelling portrait of Beijing. The contributors - including Zhu Wen, Adam Williams, Roy Kesey, Ma Jian, Alfreda Murck, Tim Clissold, Catherine Sampson, Peter Hessler, Karen Smith, Paul French, Michael Aldrich, Hong Ying and Rob Gifford, all published authors and experts in their field - have spent many years living in Beijing and know it from the inside. Their individual contributions combine to leave a highly original and unforgettable impression of one of the world's oldest and most fascinating cities.

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As the symbolic heart of Russia, Moscow, with its 870th anniversary in 2017, is the centre of politics and culture, and has enjoyed a renaissance as one of the world's great cities. The capital's streets now buzz 24-hours a day, and offer a wealth of historic sites, plush new hotels, internationally-stocked shops and thousands of eating establishments. Her sister-city, St Petersburg, host of Russia's golden age and cradle of revolution, and surely Russia's soul, was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. One of the most graceful and well-proportioned cities in the world, filled with baroque and classical architecture, and known as the Venice of the North for its scenic canals, it is easy to see how St Petersburg became the inspiration for musicians, artists, poets and writers. This 4th edition of the Odyssey guidebook contains a wealth of information on these two great cities and the regions surrounding them, including the Golden Ring, a series of ancient Russian towns set in the stunning countryside around Moscow. It provides a historical overview and is a guide to cultural sites of the two cities and the Golden Ring towns such as Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Suzdal.There are literary excerpts from writers such as Pushkin, Dostoevsky, and Dumas, and a recommended reading list. The 784 pages include 200 colour photographs and 23 maps.

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