It is said that to truly know a place, you must get to know its corners. Growing up Chinese-American, Max Wang had an understanding of the American part of his identity, but also wanted to gain an understanding of his Chinese heritage that he really didn’t have in suburban Georgia. Naturally, when the opportunity came to visit China, he wanted to go to places unknown to the public, to “chase China’s corners” and challenge his knowledge and understanding of his ancestral homeland. He wanted to see the real China.
For six weeks, Max and his father trekked across parts of China not included in most tour packages: exploring China’s magnificent mountains, rivers, caves, ancient cities, temples, silk factories, the Tibetan steppe, and much more; all the while experiencing China as most people rarely do. In the end, Max gained new and profound perspectives into an already complex civilization, an experience he desired to share with other readers. This resulting book reveals so much of China beyond the Great Wall and other top tourist sites. Whether you are a first time visitor or old China hand, Chasing China’s Corners will leave you with a more nuanced cultural appreciation of all China truly is and all it really has to offer.
