Off the Beaten Path

Book launch: 6 More Shanghai Walks - Patterns of the Past - By Melanie, Apr 10, 08

Four expatriate ladies have set out to capture Shanghai's transience with a book of walks that leads the contemporary pedestrian through the lesser-known streets and lanes of Puxi. This Saturday, spend an afternoon at the Glamour Bar with the authors of 6 More Shanghai Walks –Patterns of the Past -- Barbara Green, Tess Johnston, Ruth Leer, Carolyn Robertson and Jos Snoodjik -- as they discuss their second volume of strolls through Shanghai. The book is illustrated with photography by Shanghai-based artist Deke Erh.

Compact and green, the guide provides the walker with point, taxi instructions (English and Chinese), the nearest metro, and surrounding coffee shops. An informative emphasis on Shanghai architecture characterizes the content, and the book offers a learned, historical perspective of Shanghai's streets. Fold-out maps allow you to simultaneously read text while finding your location.

The walks are named with simplicity: French Concession West, Around Beijing Road, Two Cities, French Concession South Between Yuyuan road and Yanan road, and North of the French Concession.

All the authors' proceeds from the book will go to "Heart to Heart," an organization that volunteers with children who have undergone costly heart surgery at the Shanghai Thoracic Center.

One objective the ladies had in mind, says Barbara, "in addition to supporting this charity we wanted to encourage expats to explore the old city and all it has to offer." This encouragement may speak more specifically to Pudong residents, who often live in gated communities, neglecting to embrace the older side of Shanghai.

Their success of their first book of walks, a 500-copy side project, generated enough demand for a second volume. "Most feedback comes from expats who buy the books for their visitors and then send them out into the city to find unique and historic places," says Barbara.

If you're a more seasoned expat or lending the book to someone visiting briefly, remember that these walks are intended for individuals, or at most an intimate group. The trails take pedestrians to nooks in the city that would lose their charm if overrun by cumbersome, tourist groups.

Although the book launch is technically the day after tomorrow, 6 More Shanghai Walks began appearing in stores during the past two weeks. At the moment they can be found at the Old China Hand Reading Room (both volumes were published by Old China Hand Press) for 150rmb a piece.

The "6 More Shanghai Walks" book launch will take place at Glamour Bar this Saturday. Entry is 50rmb (includes one free drink). Starts 4pm.

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