WildChina’s friends at Conservation International have collaborated with the Shan Shui Conservation Center to create this beautiful video talking about ways they use infrared cameras to monitor wildlife movements in the forest. In the video, Dr. Dajun Wang of Peking University talks about how the cameras capture images of the natural state of the wilderness, without human interruption, and help researchers track animal movements and populations. The photos of the pandas, monkeys, tigers and takins are quite beautiful.

It can be really difficult to separate fact from rumor when it comes to China travel and H1N1. Based on our experience, talks with officials, and research, here’s what we know about traveling to China and the H1N1 flu.

As China experts and constant travelers, we’re always discovering new treasures and re-experiencing old favorites. In celebration and honor of China’s best hotels, sites and activities, this year WildChina is launching our inaugural Best of China Awards.

Top 5 Hotels

From uber-hip luxury in Beijing to quiet contemplation and relaxation in Yunnan, our favorite hotels share common traits: a dedication to service, unique design, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Based on an in-depth survey and our guests’ feedback, our favorite China hotels in alphabetical order are:

• The Langham Hotel, Shanghai: beautiful art deco style & a superb location
• The Opposite House, Beijing: sustainable modern luxury & unparalleled amenities
• Schoolhouse Homes, Mutianyu: a home away from home nestled next to the Great Wall
• Sky and Sea Lodge, Dali: zen comfort in a serene village setting
• Yourantai Lodge, Jinghong: traditional architecture & modern comfort in tropical Xishuangbanna

Top 5 Sites

It’s always hard to pick our favorite China destinations, but when we have to choose, we pick places that aren’t jammed with tourists, can only be found in China, and are once-in-lifetime experiences.

Your tickets are booked, your travel plans are confirmed, you’re ready to go! Except…what should you pack for your trip to China? Here’s a list of items you might want to consider bringing.

• Does your trip include a visit to a school or a local family? You might consider bringing simple school supplies or snacks from your hometown as a gesture of goodwill.

• A 110/220 voltage converter may be useful, as electric sockets in China are likely to be at 220v, whereas in the US they are at 110v. Check the plugs on your electronics before you purchase a costly converter, as many chargers can take voltage from 100-240v.

• If you’re traveling with a child still in diapers, you might want to bring a supply for the entire trip. Western-style diapers are difficult to find and quite expensive, although becoming more common in cities. FYI – the same is true for tampons.

• Extra batteries and memory cards for your camera will be quite useful. These are usually expensive and of variable quality when you buy them in China.

• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes, and hiking boots if your trip requires them. Nothing will spoil your day more than a blister from a new pair of shoes.

• A copy of your passport and visa is essential should you misplace yours. Store these somewhere safe, in a different place from where you keep your passport.

• Bring plenty of reading material for planes and travel time. While some English-language books and magazines can be found, these are expensive and often not the most recent.

• For almost all situations, casual clothes will do the trick. You might want to bring one smart outfit for dining out, but jeans and a polo shirt are universally accepted.

• A day bag to hold your camera and passport is quite useful. Backpacks are not recommended in urban or touristy areas, as these can be easy targets for pickpockets.

Did I leave something off the packing list? Let me know in the comments below

WildChina was recently mentioned in two articles about China, which we’d like to share here.

• Making Business Travel Responsible in AmCham’s China Brief: Discusses ways business travelers and meetings planners can create more responsible meetings and events in China. Contains tips on ideas for getting out of a hotel ballroom, away from a powerpoint slide, and going green!

• China Marks Olympic Anniversary, Reflects on Olympic Legacy in Voice of America: Find out how Beijing has changed since August 2008. WildChina CEO Albert Ng discusses how tourism trends have evolved in the year after the Olympics.
  

We hope you enjoy these pieces! If you’re interested in talking to individuals at WildChina about travel in China or responsible travel, please contact emma dot starks (at) wildchina dot com

Happy travels!

Photo via Shanghaiist.

The longest total eclipse of the century occurred yesterday along a narrow band of Asia, visiting countries including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Vietnam and China.

A few lucky WildChina staff members and clients were in areas around Shanghai to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event. While fears of rain and cloud cover dampened moods in the hours before the event, at the crucial morning hour the clouds dissipated in time for crowds to experience total darkness during the day.

WildChina guests watched the eclipse from a watertown called Wuzhen outside of Shanghai on our Chasing The Ring of Fire: The Eclipse of the Century trip.  We’ve heard from some of our guests that it was raining intensely right before the eclipse, but that it stopped in time for them to catch the main event. So lucky!

For more on the eclipse, watch CNN’s news clip here.

One of the most common topics our guides are questioned on while they are on trips is etiquette. While a friendly smile and a xie xie (thank you in Mandarin) go a long way, it’s always nice to have an idea about basic etiquette while you’re traveling through China.

• Tipping

Generally speaking, tipping waitstaff, taxi drivers, and other service people is not done. Foreign restaurants (especially those in hotels) will often include a 10-20% “Service Charge” on the bill, although this varies widely. The only people commonly given tips are tour guides and private drivers. Of course, tips depend on service, but guides are often tipped about 100 RMB/day for a group of two, with drivers receiving about 50 RMB/day.

• Exchanging Business Cards

Business cards should be handed out with both hands, with your name facing the person you are giving your card to. As a sign of respect to your new friend, you should read their card and then tuck it away safely somewhere (as opposed to just stuffing it in your back pocket).

• Toasting

When toasting in China, it’s polite to clink your glass below the rim of the other person’s, also as a sign of respect. You’ll read a lot about drinking and toasting at Chinese banquets, but in my experience, unless you are conducting business this is not usually an issue.

• Eating

When finishing a meal, especially at local family’s house, it is polite to leave some food on your plate. This indicates that your host has been generous in sharing their food, and that you are full and could not finish all of the food they provided.

Have questions about China do’s and don’ts? Think we left out a valuable Chinese etiquette rule? Let us know in the comments below.