When the first edition of this text was published in 2007, there was no doubt that it would be one of the required textbooks for my course on the geography of Asia…. While the book’s title suggests a greater emphasis on contemporary changes in China, do not be mistaken—it provides one of the most comprehensive geographies of the country written in English. The text achieves a balance between exploring the remarkable changes and challenges confronting China and covering the variety of physical and human geography topics typically surveyed in a traditional regional geography text. The third edition comprises fourteen chapters, at an average length of twenty- eight pages per chapter, that cover a comprehensive array of topics on the geographies of China…. While this text is most appropriate for a college-level course on the geography of China or Asia, it provides an excellent source of information for high school or middle school teachers whose curricula includes Asia. Teachers should greatly benefit from purchasing the text, as it will become an often-referenced and easily accessible source of information on China…. This text fills a significant gap in English-written geography books about China and should be on the shelf of anyone interested in a comprehensive geographic survey of the lands of China.

Education About Asia

At a time when the demand for knowledge about China's phenomenal transformation is greater than ever before, this book provides an illuminating, comprehensive, and up-to-date account of what has been taking place in one of the most populous countries on earth, one with a sophisticated thousand-year-long history and diverse geography. Informative and inspirational, this is a timely contribution that will be highly appreciated by all who are interested in the dynamics of a rapidly changing China under globalization.

George C. S. Lin, University of Hong Kong

China ranks among the most geographically varied countries around the world. The diversity of its environments and peoples is integral to understanding the ways in which economic and sociocultural change has taken place. China’s Geography presents a skillful synthesis of information to help us comprehend such change across space and time. Drawing upon a wealth of perspectives from multiple disciplines, the book remains true to the geographer’s art: exploring the implications of location with regard to both changing human and environmental landscapes and how such landscapes adapt over time. Students and scholars should consider this book essential reading.

Weiping Wu, Tufts University

This broad-ranging text is unparalleled in its coverage of key issues in China today, from urban development to environment. Its placement of contemporary issues in the contexts of China’s diverse landscapes and history offers students a rich opportunity to engage with these issues in a meaningful way. This book should be required reading for courses in East Asian or Chinese geography, history, sociology, anthropology, and economics.

Piper Gaubatz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

The Chinese have two phrases describing their geography, 'vast in territory and rich in resources' (di da wu bo) and 'the land is scarce and the people are many' (di shao ren zhong). These two realities are encapsulated in China's Geography. The conundrums facing China concerning its land, people, production, politics, and culture all come together in this compelling geography of the world's most populous country.

Stanley W. Toops, Miami University

This well-organized book . . . is a welcome addition. . . . Anyone looking for an up-to-date geography textbook on China should give this volume a close look. I also strongly recommend it as a general reader for people wanting to get a good overview of China.

Richard Louis Edmonds, China Quarterly