What lies behind the China's booming growth in the 21st century? What are the roots and true character of this great civilization? Written by a gifted team of notable scholars from Asia and the West and stunningly illustrated, The Seventy Wonders of China provides an unmatched account of this vast and enigmatic country with which the world is now engaging. See the complete contents page The artistic achievements of China are unparalleled and are all described here in expert entries. Famous monuments such as the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Great Wall are given their due, but so too are lesser-known yet breathtaking sculptures, palaces, tombs and monasteries. We marvel at the landscape, the splendours of the old imperial cities as well as their fast-growing modern counterparts, Shanghai and Beijing, with their dazzling skyscrapers. The wonders of China reach into everyday life. The Chinese invented paper, printing, the compass, and such objects as umbrellas and playing cards. China’s food is celebrated here in all its diversity, as is the heritage of the imperial system that ruled the Middle Kingdom for more than 2,000 years. Jonathan Fenby edited the South China Morning Post for five years, has written a biography of Chiang Kai-shek, a history of China from 1850 to 1949 and an account of Hong Kong after its return to China in 1997, as well as many press articles on China. He also broadcasts in Britain, the United States, Europe and the Far East.
