How much do we really know about modern China? The Southern cities of China have led the way for open door policies and the 4th industrial revolution, but they are not as well-known as their Northern counterparts. The author takes the reader along as he roams around the Southern region of China for 5 months, with nothing but his mobile phone.

This is not a travel guide. Readers won’t find special information about tourist attractions, hotels or restaurants, nor will they find eye-catching photos.

However, readers will be able to understand just how much of a turbulent change these cities are going through to become world-class tourism cities and economic leaders. The author, a researcher of modern Chinese society and economy, has a clear point of view. Readers are offered a picture of the economic policies of regional governments, promotion of local brandings, tourism policies which support local economies by attracting domestic and international tourism, educational policies which emphasize the key points of the 4th industrial revolution, and the overall future direction of China.

Most travel guides about China are limited to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau. However, considering the vastness of the country, the variety of cultures and people, the long and turbulent history, other areas also spark great curiosity.

Some of these cities are Shanghai and Xiamen, which are the main background for the history and culture of modern China, economic zones like Shenzhen and Zhuhai, which are the picture of capitalism with its modern Western-style cityscapes, Hangzhou, which holds the future of China’s 4th industrial revolution with its Xixi Park of Alibaba, Guilin and Huangshan which are cities that hold onto vast and awe-inspiring natural beauty, Dali and Lijiang which seem like cities from the past, Wuhan, which feels similar to the US city of Chicago and is also where many prestigious universities are located, Xishuangbanna, where there are natural surroundings, culture, and different races that are similar to those found in Southeast Asia.

Some are famous tourist cities such as Huangshan and Hongcun, but some are significantly historic sites that are not as well-known. Readers also experience the treat of taking a look at the most coveted universities in Mafengwo, which is also of a great point of interest to the author.