Travels in China, Containing Descriptions, Observations, and Comparisons, Made and Collected in the Course of a Short Residence at the Imperial Palace of Yuen-Min-Yuen, and on a Subsequent Journey through the Country from Pekin to Canton

"Travels in China, Containing Descriptions, Observations, and Comparisons, Made and Collected in the Course of a Short Residence at the Imperial Palace of Yuen-Min-Yuen, and on a Subsequent Journey through the Country from Pekin to Canton" by John Barrow is an early 19th-century expedition in which the author documents his time spent at the Imperial Palace and his travels from Pekin to Canton, providing a unique opportunity to go into China's culture and social standing when compared to other powerful nations. Barrow begins by clarifying common misunderstandings about the British Embassy's voyages to China, especially how each trip was received differently, giving a foundation for grasping Chinese society by considering the accomplishments and shortcomings of prior foreign missions and the deep-seated traditions of the Chinese Court; his goal is to present an objective view of Chinese culture and character, free from exaggerated stories, offering a critical comparison to European customs and a clear look at China's image in the West.