Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher*

This is not a guidebook. And it is definitely 'not-for-parents.'

It is the real, inside story about one of the world's most exciting countries - China. In this book you'll hear fascinating tales about ancient empires, martial arts, the discovery of gunpowder and the first cup of tea. Check out cool stories about ice sculptures, dust storms, bloodthirsty warriors and dragons. You'll find acrobats, fighting crickets, futuristic buildings and some seriously weird snacks.

Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, Klay Lamprell

About Lonely Planet: Started in 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel guide publisher with guidebooks to every destination on the planet, as well as an award-winning website, a suite of mobile and digital travel products, children's books, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet's mission is to enable curious travellers to experience the world and to truly get to the heart of the places where they travel.

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2012 and 2013 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category

'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times

'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia)

*#1 in the world market share - source: Nielsen Bookscan. Australia, UK and USA. March 2012-January 2013