in Uncategorized |

Lonely Planet China

Ever tried to buy a Lonely Planet guide for China in China? Forget it, buy it before you arrive in China, because you cannot get it here. I was at Chaterhouse in Times Square last night to stock up on some English books for an upcoming vacation, and was browsing through the hundreds of Lonely Planet guides. I have several old China guides from them, but the last one is at least 4 years old. Because of the unbelievable development of this country, that is probably similar to 20 years in a European country, so I decided it was time for a new edition.

But I could not find the China guide, so I assumed it was sold out. Then I looked for the Beijing guide, and did not find it either. The Tibet guide maybe, as as preparation for next year’s bike trip? No luck. I asked the shop assistant, and he explained to me that in China it is not allowed to sell the Lonely Planet guides for China, Beijing and Tibet.

I never heard this before, but it’s probably true. Of course this is not very unusual because more foreign publications are banned here. But on my way out I noticed that the Shanghai Lonely Planet was on display near the entrance. Interesting, so this guidebook is available for sale. I wonder why?

Published

Write a Comment

Comment

  1. Hi Marc,

    I bought my Lonely Planet China earlier this year in March in Shanghai, when it was still available. Soon after, I wanted to buy another copy of the same edition, but failed. At Foreign Language Bookstore and City of Books both in Fuzhou Rd. they told me the book is banned now in China due to the description of the Tiananmen Incident and other historical/political issues… The Shanghai book is still available since it has nothing alike.

    This though is just my theory… nothing based on facts :p

    Regards,
    matsch

  2. You might be interested in this story of Lonely Planet guides being confiscated from travellers entering China.

  3. Last time I checked, the Foreign Language Bookshop on Wanfujing in Beijing was still carrying the Lonely Planet Guide to China. It’s not on display, however, and you have to ask for it on the second floor.