For many overseas travelers about to set foot in China, the Lonely Planet guidebook is one of their many necessities.

When it comes to handy tips and warnings, first-time China visitors cling to this "Travel Bible."

Knowing what she's up against, Ma Jing, the producer of a new English-language programme called "Travelogue," promises that she and her colleagues at the China Central Television station (CCTV) will topple the Lonely Planet's monopoly.

"Travelogue" is so far the only English-language travel show in China. Each episode of the 15-minute show centres on a hot travel spot, ranging from unbeaten paths in China's wild west to the bustling shopping centres in large metropolitan areas.

The show airs at 6:15, 10:15, 15:15 and 20:15 on Wednesday and 8:15, 14:15, 17:15 on Saturday on the all-English CCTV-9 channel which is broadcast to the world.

As a graduate with a major in English from the Beijing Broadcasting Institute, Ma has been working in the Overseas Department of CCTV for the past eight years.

"Our goal is to create a show that provides both entertainment and information," Ma said.

The show also features three other directors who act as tour guides, taking viewers onto fresh trips into the heart of China. Coming from different backgrounds, the directors share one thing in common - the love for travelling.

"It's also a rediscovering process for me because every time before heading out, I need to do a lot of homework on my travel destination. This helps me to obtain a totally new perspective on a place," said director Liu Changying.

Liu graduated from the English Department at Peking University and worked for CCTV's English News as a reporter for four years before joining "Travelogue."

While the job is envied by many, most of it is tough work and there is little time to relax. Under a tight broadcasting schedule and with limited resources, the directors are either on the road or working in the editing room.

But despite the hectic schedule, Gao Xiaolan, another director who lived in the United States before working for the show, says she feels lucky to have the opportunity

"It's just great to get up close and personal with so many spectacular and diversified places; and it feels good to know that somewhere and somehow, many people can benefit from your work," said Gao.

While it has only been on the air for just over three months, the show has received enthusiastic feedback from viewers all over the world including Australia, the United States, Kenya, and of course, China.

( China Daily July 2, 2002)