LOUIS VUITTON SOUNDWALK Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong

Louis Vuitton and Soundwalk collaborate to produce audio tours for mobile phone or MP3 player. Chinese actresses are the enchanting tour leaders: Gong Li, Beijing; Shu Qi, Hong Kong; and Joan Chen, Shanghai. Each walk moves throughout its area with fitting tales as the tour progresses. Varied sounds of nature and footsteps, voices, closing doors, bicycle bells, and gorgeous music can be heard. Each guide's voice is unique—perfect for the differing locales and anecdotes. Fact and fiction are intertwined with the narrators' observations. History and less well-known snippets add to the listener's pleasure and fascination. Highlights include an 82-year-old man who repaired Joan's bike and is still working, the melodious sound of piano practice, and the chirping of birds who accompany their owners everywhere. Soundwalk IS China and her people, whether one listens on location or from an armchair. S.G.B. 2009 Audies Winner, Bejing soundwalk © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]