Where once we turned to guidebooks to inform ourselves before embarking on an overseas trip, now more likely we are switching on our computers and using the Internet for trip planning.

These sites are not the only ones out there, but do a good job of informing the reader about what’s happening in China, at least socially and in some cases, technologically. Regardless, they’re a good read and worth bookmarking both before — and after — a visit here. Of course, that’s after you’ve exhausted all the content here on SeeChina!

Managing The Dragon: Written by entrepreneur and long-time China veteran Jack Perkowski, the blog was originally an extension of Perkowski’s book by the same name. Formerly an auto parts company founder and executive, the author now looks at larger issues affecting China and specifically the Sino-American relationship.

Beijing Boyce: With a martini in one hand and a laptop in the other, Canadian expatriate Jim Boyce strives to provide “a consumer’s view of the bar scene in Beijing” with his semi-eponymous blog. With a reputation for strict objectivity, Boyce offers a ground-level view of developments in Beijing’s nightlife and entertainment, complete with reviews of drinks, food, service and atmosphere. Its sibling site, Grape Wall of China, gives oenophiles in China and abroad insight into the development of the industry in one of the world’s most sought-after markets.

Imagethief: Mixing acerbic wit with the lessons learned in the PR game, Will Moss provides readers with both a good chuckle and good advice. Moss particularly excels in describing the PR successes and failures of multinationals doing business in China, although he also covers media and government absurdities.

Silicon Hutong: Named for the traditional and increasingly rare Beijing alleyways, marketing and communications consultant David Wolf (Imagethief’s and Silicon Hutong’s authors are former colleagues) uses the Hutong as an observation post to make some of the keenest comments on China’s technological development. Wolf will keep the big technological picture in focus.

Beijingology: Infrastructure aficionado David Feng tracks the opening and service of Beijing’s mass transit system. “I like to get from point A to point B quickly. The only way to do that in Beijing from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is underground,” he said. Note: it seems this site may have been on the wrong end of some kind of electronic attack recently, as it produces access warnings on some browsers. Visit with caution until the situation is rectified.

Three locally focused sites are also worth accessing. Perhaps the strongest entrant to the local online English-language media, Shanghaiist does a nice job of updating on local events and happenings, all with a measure of humor and satire. In Beijing, two city magazines have adapted their content online: The Beijinger, a monthly publication, keeps things updated on a daily if not hourly basis via its Web site, and has a very lively online discussion forum. City Weekend, which publishes in both Beijing and Shanghai, has the best calendar listings for music and other live events, although its addresses are not always current. You can also download its online app from the iTunes app store, CityFu.