Marshall’s book explains how the location and physical geography of countries affects their chances of success, economically and militarily. His dedicated chapter on China explains how the lay of the land shapes its destiny. This is particularly relevant following tensions over Taiwan. Marshall weaves in the physical geography that would make any invasion plans perilous, in that the Taiwan Strait is about 130km wide at its narrowest point. China’s interest in the Tibetan plateau stems largely from a deep-seated fear that India would otherwise seek to control it, leaving China’s lower-lying regions open to invasion. Relief in the region, therefore, dictates the balance of power. This book is highly recommended reading for teachers, A-level students and higher-ability students from younger age groups.

This highly authoritative resource on China’s physical landscape provides everything a teacher or student needs when covering the topic. The book is fantastically illustrated and covers the physical geography, history and economic and political systems of the world’s most populous country. The primary focus is on geographical issues in China’s contemporary development: agriculture, population, urbanization, resource, energy and environment, which all shape its physical landscape. China’s rapid economic growth has brought about major challenges. For AO1 and KS3, many chapters focus on physical features, such as Chapter Two on China’s Territory, Chapter Three on Topology and Landforms and Chapter Five on Hydrology and Water Resources. This book caters for all ages, with undergraduate and A-level students benefiting from the more detailed analysis of how the landscapes shape China’s geopolitics, and for KS3, where students must define the physical characteristics of significant places. 

A concise, yet authoritative overview of the physical landscape of the wider region. Section 9.1 summarises the topic very accessibly for students, covering relief, rivers (including the impact of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze) and climate and is supported by political and physical maps. From the text, students could annotate their own blank maps of China. For students who want to explore further and develop critical thinking, the resource also examines levels of development, natural hazards and future geopolitical conflicts over issues such as Taiwan’s sovereignty claims.  

A visually stimulating book that will inspire students to want to learn about the diverse landscapes of China. As the book’s description states, ‘it is an invaluable guide to the wildlife and landscapes of the country. It also ‘delves into the history of the world’s most ancient cultures and describes through memorable stories the relationship that the Chinese have with nature’. The book is organized geographically, and the impact of China’s population on the nation’s landscapes is also explored. It ends with a gazetteer and travel tips.