Tourists' Guide to China.

Shanghai: California Directory Association and the Shanghai Times,, 1926. A well-preserved example of this scarce guide for American visitors to China, recorded in just four institutions on WorldCat. Produced during a golden age of East Asian travel, this convenient compendium lists places of interest and suggested itineraries for major cities, alongside dozens of advertisements for hotels, curio shops, and luxury goods. Foreign tourists in East Asia were not a new sight in the early 20th century, but the construction of railway lines from the late 19th century caused a dramatic increase in the ease and possibilities of travel. In Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other large cities, the number of businesses catering to the foreign tourist market ballooned, with many listed in this guide. Inside, travellers could find information on the Hong Kong Hotel and the famous Grand Hotel des Wagon-Lits in Peking's Legation Quarter, as well advertisements for firms as varied as the Hong Kong and Kowloon Taxicab Company, the outfitters Aux Chic Parisien, U. B. Pilsener Beer of Shanghai, Strehlneek's Chinese Art Studio, and Clerici, Bedoni & Co., importers of fine Italian wines. Two pages of pidgin English phrases are provided to help travellers ask for the "Sing-song house" (the theatre) or "Smelleum water" (Eau de Cologne). The California Directory Association produced a number of tourist guides for travellers to the Far East, all of which are now rare. Duodecimo. With 2 folding maps of central Hong Kong and Shanghai, half-tone illustrations in text, advertisements throughout. Original red card wrappers, title and Chinese dragon to front cover in black. Wrappers lightly creased with small chip to lower tip of front cover, internally clean and bright, larger folding map with small closed tear partially tape repaired to verso. A very good copy of this vulnerable publication.