Letters from China

This book is based on genuine letters I wrote when I had the chance to live and work in Beijing for two years, from 2001. I had already visited China many times following my first trip in 1999, and friends and colleagues back in England were keen to know more about life there. The letters were a way of conveying the fun I was having, the difficulties I encountered - not least with the language - and of providing an insight into this fascinating country. Those who read the letters as I was writing them clearly enjoyed them and suggested I should try to get them published for a wider audience. This is the result. The letters have only been slightly edited and I have added later ones from more recent visits to keep them up to date. They are intended to be informal, personal and chatty - an easy read, just like letters from a friend. I hope you will find them enjoyable and enlightening, and good introduction to China.