Bits of Old China

A vivid slice of 19th-century Canton life, seen through a curious traveler’s eyes. This nonfiction collection transports readers to the Pearl River and Macao Passage, where regattas, street scenes, and festival lore illuminate daily life in old China. Rich with firsthand anecdotes, it blends travel, culture, and history into a lively, readable account. A companion to the era’s trade and adventure, the book weaves practical observations with personal impressions. You’ll meet colorful characters, learn about local customs, and glimpse the tensions and exchanges that shaped a bustling port city and its surrounding communities. Story-driven sketches of Canton’s waterways, boats, and competitionsSnapshots of street life, festivals, and the people who inhabit themEntertaining anecdotes about foreign traders, ships, and historic eventsBrief cultural notes that explain beliefs, practices, and daily rhythms Ideal for readers of historical travel writing and cultural lore, this edition invites curiosity about a vibrant, long-vanished world. Read more