LONDON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The National Human Geography of China, a series of books re-discovering Chinese cities, was launched at the British Library Friday.
The series, published by SinoMaps Press, is an encyclopedic series of human geography of Chinese cites, portraying in detail the historical context, geographical environment, human resources, and socio-economic development of the cities.
Each book in the series features one Chinese city with elaborate compilation of authoritative and comprehensive texts, pictures, maps and infographics, which are arranged from historical aspect and on geographic basis.
Wang Baomin, CEO of SinoMaps Press, said a total of 30 books about cities including the capital Beijing were unveiled in the book launch event.
He presented 11 books from the series to the British Library. Hamish Todd, head of the East Asia Collections of the British Library, told Xinhua that the books introducing Chinese city landscape and traditional culture are "absolutely brilliant", and he is happy to add the books to the library's huge collection of more than 100,000 Chinese books.
Xiang Xiaowei, minister counselor from the Chinese Embassy in UK, said in the speech that cultural exchanges are an important part in the "golden era" of Sino-British relationship.
"I believe that the National Human Geography of China series, an encyclopedia of Chinese people's cultural geography, will not only become a key way for British readers to interpret the Chinese cultural genetic code, but also serves as a bridge between China and UK," he said, adding that "I am hoping it can produce wonderful chemical reaction to the way of thinking and lifestyle of people in two countries."
Frances Wood, former curator of British library, famous sinologist and historian, said with the books on Chinese cities as a starting point, British readers will have the opportunity to get to know China more comprehensively and concretely.
In the city promotion session of the event, representatives from two Chinese cities, Huzhou and Yichun, respectively displayed their cities and shared the ways and experiences of urban development.
The National Human Geography of China series have been displayed in more than 40 major cities around the world and sold on Amazon.
