Bird, Isabella. The Yangtze Valley and Beyond: An Account of Journeys in China. London: John Murray, 1899.
Isabella Bird's The Yangtze Valley and Beyond is an account of her extensive travels in China, particularly along the Yangtze River, at the end of the 19th century. The book details her observations and experiences as she traveled through various regions, exploring both well-trodden and remote parts of China. Bird provides in-depth descriptions of the landscapes, the people, their customs, and the socio-economic conditions of the Chinese communities she visited. Her journey also highlights the challenges of travel in China during that period, including navigating the great river itself and dealing with the diverse climates and terrains of the country. The narrative offers a comprehensive view of the cultural and geographic diversity of China as seen through the eyes of a keen and observant traveler.