Atlas of the Republic of China, Vol II, Hsitsang (Tibet), Sinkiang and Mongolia

Bibliographic Note: National Atlas of China

Unknown · 1964

This article reviews the *National Atlas of China* (5 volumes, 1960–1963), edited by Dr. Chang Chi-yun. The atlas comprises five volumes covering Taiwan, the Central Asian frontier, North China (including Northwest China), South China (Central, South, and Southwest China), and a general atlas with an index of 25,000 entries. The principal scales are 1:13,000,000 and 1:17,500,000, while for China proper (Volumes 3 and 4) the base scale is 1:2,000,000, with exceptions such as 1:2,500,000 for South and Southwest China and 1:4,000,000 for Hainan Island. Volume 1 (Taiwan) employs large-scale maps, predominantly at 1:200,000 and 1:100,000, and Volume 2 uses relatively smaller scales for frontier regions. Each volume features political and topographic maps; Volumes 1, 2, and 5 also include four thematic maps, while Volumes 3 and 4 add several major-city maps. Administrative divisions follow those promulgated in 1947, with no subsequent revisions, and place-name romanization adheres to the Wade–Giles system. The atlas is compared with the earlier *New Atlas of China* (1934), highlighting its more detailed and up-to-date data, particularly for border areas and Taiwan, whose large-scale maps provide an accessible overview and comparison of physical, human, and economic conditions. The compilers extensively consult recent works by mainland Chinese geographers, reflecting the post-WWII advancement of geographical research on China. This cartographic compilation stands as an important academic reference and a significant milestone in modern Chinese geography.