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  • The Shanghai Free Taxi

  • Journeys with the Hustlers and Rebels of the New China
  • By: Frank Langfitt
  • Narrated by: Frank Langfitt
  • Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (8 ratings)

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The Shanghai Free Taxi

By: Frank Langfitt
Narrated by: Frank Langfitt
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Publisher's Summary

As any traveller knows, the best and most honest conversations take place during car rides. So when journalist Frank Langfitt wanted to learn more about the real China, he started driving a cab - and discovered a country amid seismic political and economic change.

The Chinese economic boom, with its impact on the environment, global trade, and the tech industry, has been one of the most important stories of the twenty-first century. Yet few realise that the boom is largely over, and that the new reality in China is unequal growth, political anxiety and a newly empowered strongman president.
In order to understand this new world, Frank Langfitt offered the citizens of Shanghai a simple deal: a conversation in exchange for a free taxi ride. Rides turned into follow-up interviews, shared meals and even a wedding invitation. In this adventurous book, we get to know an array of quirky yet representative characters like Beer Horse, the pushy dealer who sells Langfitt his used car; Rocky, a stylishly dressed migrant worker who loves John Denver music; and Xiao Chen, who moved his family to Hawaii to escape China's oppressive education system but was unable to get out of the country himself.

Unfolding over the course of several years, The Shanghai Free Taxi is a sensitive and eye-opening book about a rapidly changing country.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Frank Langfitt (P)2019 Orion Publishing Group

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China revealed in a very real story

I wasn't sure at the beginning whether this book would hold my attention but it just got better & better. I loved the open & caring attitude of the author/driver & increased my understanding of the people of this complex, fascinating country.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting insight

I lived in China between the years of 2007 and 2012 and i found this book covered in a very balanced view of China and it's people. highly recommended

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