China and Chinese Resources, Recommended Reading

Internet Resources

YellowBridge Dictionary. Has a remarkable character recognition feature (requires Java plug-in). Just draw what you saw and it will let you choose from the most closely matching characters! Also has the less exciting, but fairly comprehensive Chinese-English-Pinyin dictionary.
Mandarin Tools Dictionary. Chinese-English, English-Chinese Dictionary. An excellent dictionary for both traditional and simplified Chinese. The home page for this site offers many other Chinese language and culture resources.
Pinyin Typing Program. A very helpful web tool for typing in Pinyin offered by the California State University at Long Beach. Just type the tone number after a letter and it provides the Pinyin with the tone. You can then copy and paste your Pinyin sentences into any other program.
Zhongwen Characters. A great site for anyone interested in Chinese characters. Characters are broken down into their component parts and character pronunciation and etymology are discussed. The search feature is very useful and you can search in English or Pinyin.
Kwintessential Culture. A brief introduction to some basics of Chinese culture. Provides a useful introduction for those wanting to learn about Chinese etiquette.
Travel China Guide. A very helpful travel site with info on many cities in China and Taiwan and their main points of interest, maps, flights, and train schedules. Also offers tour packages.
The XE.com Universal Currency Converter. Useful currency conversion site with up to date rates.
Yahoo!Weather. Check the weather almost anywhere in mainland China or Taiwan.

Print Resources - Recommended Reading

The Rough Guide to Mandarin Chinese. Dictionary for English to Chinese (characters and Pinyin) and Pinyin to English. Contains a section on simple grammar usages such as counting items, telling time, and how to say yes and no. Contains menu guide and quick reference guides for doctors, hotel reservations, buses and trains, etc. Katharyn calls it “the most useful, most portable book you can take to China.” Easily fits in a pocket.
The Oxford Picture Dictionary. by Norma Shapiro and Jayme Adelson-Goldstein. A great illustrated resource with vocabulary grouped together into categories such as, for example in the yard, at the doctor's office, electronic and photographic equipment. Would be helped greatly by the addition of Pinyin pronunciation guides for the Chinese words. Still a useful resource.
The Complete History of China by J.A.G. Roberts. This book is a very comprehensive history of China from ancient times to modern. Perhaps a bit unwieldy for the casual reader, but a worthwhile library addition for anyone with a strong interest in the history and development of China.
Travelers' Tales China edited by Sean O'Reilly, James O'Reilly and Larry Habegger. Selected for their quality writing and fine storytelling, this book contains stories of humor, frustration and touching poignancy that span locations all across China. A highly recommended, very readable book.