High Tech and Hot Pot: Revealing Encounters Inside the Real China

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title High Tech and Hot Pot: Revealing Encounters Inside the Real China
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Stephan Orth
Translated by Jamie McIntosh
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:304
Dimensions(mm): Height 215,Width 139
Category/GenreHumour
Travel writing
ISBN/Barcode 9781771645621
ClassificationsDewey:951.06092
Audience
General

Publishing Details

Publisher Greystone Books,Canada
Imprint Greystone Books,Canada
Publication Date 11 June 2020
Publication Country Canada

Description

When Stephan Orth lands in China, he knows it's his last visit, having lied about his job as a journalist to get into the country. So, he makes the most of it, couch-surfing with locals instead of hitting the nearest hotel. Starting in Macau - a former Portuguese colony and now gambler's paradise-Orth takes on the world's biggest casino. Next, he visits Shenzen, where more than 200 million sidewalk cameras monitor citizens who win and lose points on Sesame Credit, an app that sends data to Alibaba - and to the government. As his adventure continues, Orth encounters a bewildering mix of new tech and old traditions. Over a steaming bowl of hot pot, he learns ancient chopstick etiquette from a policewoman who later demos the facial recognition app she could use to detain him. He eats dog meat as a guest of honor one day - and finds himself censored on live TV the next. He even seriously considers joining an outlawed sect. Self-deprecatingly funny, compassionate, and observant, High Tech and Hot Pot is a formidable addition to a well-loved series, and offers a timely travelogue of an enigmatic country poised to become the world's next superpower.

Author Biography

Stephan Orth is the author of Couchsurfing in Iran and Behind Putin's Curtain (Greystone Books). He was the online travel editor of the popular German new magazine Der Spiegel from 2008 to 2016 and has received the Columbus Prize several times for his reporting. He lives in Hamburg, Germany.

Reviews

"This open-minded, bemused portrait of a history-rich yet futuristic China beguiles." -Kirkus Reviews