FarWestChina Suggested Reading

Xinjiang Websites

The New Dominion:  Aside from Far West China, The New Dominion is one of the best places to find thought-provoking commentary on events happening in Xinjiang.

This is Xinjiang: Not frequently updated, but good writing. One of my favorite parts of this blog are its pictures.  Check out their Flickr page.

Thoughts on the History of Xinjiang: This is one of the best new blogs on Xinjiang, but be warned: it’s not light reading.  The articles are well-researched and academic in nature.  Also, I have respect for bloggers who put their name and reputation on their work (a rarity in Xinjiang blogging…for good reasons).  Good work, Chuck.

The Opposite End of China: In its heyday this blog was much more popular than mine is now.  Still, Michael Manning (the author) focused on very sensitive political topics which I try to shy away from.  Searching through his archives can be quite the adventure, I guarantee.

Autonomous Region: This is a pretty obscure site that isn’t always very relevant but I’m including it here because of the absence of a political slant despite its Uyghur focus.

True Xinjiang: This site is maintained by the Global Times and presents a government-approved version of life in Xinjiang.  Needless to say, everything is happy and there’s very little compelling information here.

Central Asia Traveler: This is the only website on this list that is a static site (meaning it is never updated). Considering how very little that has been written about the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, though, I think this is a valuable resource for any person who thinks of traveling there.  Includes information on Hotan, Yutian, Ruoqiang, Qiemo, and Minfeng.

China Sites

China Aggregators

HaoHaoReport: This is a Digg-like community website dedicated to promoting the best stories about China.  You’ll find that I’m pretty active here.

China.Alltop: Another automatic aggregator which allows you to pick which feeds you want to view.

China News

Danwei: part translator, part aggregator, this news source is one of the top English language blogs about China.  Several posts and links per day cover a wide spectrum of topics.

Shanghaiist: the only city-based website I know of that appeals to readers all over China.  Also aggregates news and blogs.  They post quite often but sometimes feel more like a tabloid than a news source, unfortunately.

WSJ China: great write-ups and links to all the top news stories dealing with China.  I’m disappointed they stopped linking up to smaller blogs like this one, though.  Now they only mention major news sources.

ESWN: Roland is apparently a very well-respected blogger and does a great job translating as well as aggregating all the best blogs in English and Chinese.

China Blogs

The China Observer: business observations from a foreigner who has spent almost a decade in Asia.

This Ridiculous World: A tongue-in-cheek site which discusses the lighter, most crazy side of living in China.

China Travel 2.0: Winser is a guy writing about traveling in China.

Fool’s Mountain: a collaborative blog that has a lively comment section and interesting topics.

Beyond Backpacking: Lauren Nelson writes about the intimate details of travel in Southern China, particularly Guilin.

China Mike’s Travel Guide: Best of China guide, travel tips, & funny stuff!

Sinocentric: a blog about politics and international relations in China, Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific.

Travel Blogs

China Travel

ChinaToday.com: a leading China information base covering all hot topics of China.

Expat Resources

Darn Good Digs: user-submitted lodging that is nice AND cheap

Car Hire USA

Travel Blogs

Ben’s Backpacking Blog: Ben shares his adventures from all over the world

Nomadic Matt: Matt teaches the art of travel blogging while exploring every corner of the earth

FlipNomad: A Filipino explores the beauty of southeast Asia, an interesting new blog

Positive World Travel: Two travelers walking the earth

Global Grasshopper: Tips for travel and inspiration

Abandon the Cube: Two adventurers quit their jobs and travel the world.

Backpack Around the World: a travelzine site made BY backpackers – FOR backpackers.