Last weekend, WildChina expert Alison Klayman received a Sundance Film Festival Award for her film, Ai Weiwei Never Sorry.

The film documents Ai Weiwei from 2008 toJune 2011, during which Klayman had unparalleled access the artist’s personal life. When Chinese authorities detained Ai Weiwei for three months in Spring 2011, Klayman made many media appearances to speak about Ai and her work, including on CNN International and The Colbert Report. That same year, she was named a Sundance Documentary Fellow and listed in Filmmaker Magazine’s annual list of “25 New Faces of Independent Film.”

WildChina spoke with Klayman earlier today to discuss her experience at Sundance. “The real reward has definitely been the overall response to the film at Sundance, from the audiences and also the filmmaking community. To have the whole festival and town buzzing about Ai Weiwei’s charisma, humor and courage, to overhear conversations around town about China and social media and change, and to see that the overwhelming takeaway message for audiences was to be inspired to go speak out in their own life…that was the real reward.”

From everyone at WildChina, congratulations!
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Interested in learning more about WildChina’s expert network? Take a look here to learn more about experts including leading Great Wall historians, the most sought after Contemporary Chinese Art advisors and tea experts who can take you to far away plantations.

Photos by: LA Times

Always envisioned what is would be like to cruise down the Li River and see Guangxi’s karst mountains? Look no further. Stewart Shen, expert WildChina guide, photography guru and fourth generation Guangxi resident, transports you to Guilin, Yangshuo and the Longsheng rice terraces and how to experience these areas differently…

WildChina Guides – Stewart in Guilin from WildChina Travel on Vimeo.
A native of Guangxi, Stewart began his adult life as a farmer during the Cultural Revolution. Stewart’s early life was colorful – in addition to farming, he was also his village’s designated storyteller and official cook. After the Cultural Revolution, Stewart was a member of one of the first groups of students to re-enter university, where he studied English. An avid and passionate traveler, his experiences in the countryside have exposed him to different ways of life of local people, and as a result, his ability to design Guangxi’s best off-the-beaten-path programs are unparalleled. He is best known in photography circles for his ability to identify scenic spots in Guangxi, and is widely considered to be the go-to guide by many of our European photography associations.
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Interested in learning more about traveling to Guangxi province? For family travel, we highly recommend A Classic China Family Vacation and Rustic Guilin. Questions? Get in touch at info@wildchina.com.

Interested in meeting one of WildChina’s top guides, Shirley Wang? Want to catch a glimpse of Beijing to see what it is really like?  Look no further than this two-minute video that follows Shirley throughout the city, including a visit to the Temple of Heaven…

Shirley is known for her patience, ability to work with children and families, attentiveness to clients’ needs, and passion for the guiding industry. She graduated from the Beijing Institute of Tourism with a degree in English. Yet, even before graduating from university, she began leading tours in the Beijing area.

Shirley traveling in Cambodia

Shirley constantly works to improve her guiding and loves to take on groups of all sizes. She has extensive experience with family and student groups, and likes to share her understanding of Beijing’s culture and architecture as well as her knowledge of local songs and games. She has a lengthy and diverse list of previous clients that includes the CEO of Johnson & Johnson, Asia. When she’s not guiding, you will mostly likely find Shirley traveling around China (or beyond)!

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Want to read more about Shirley? Here are some rave reviews from past clients.

Keen to have Shirley as your guide when you travel to Beijing? We don’t blame you! Get in contact at info@wildchina.com

If based in China, you can see the link on Youku here. 

Last sunny Saturday, I got a call from my friend in Leishan who told me there would be a Miao New Year festival in the Leigong mountains, which includes rural Miao villages in Leishan and Taijiang. The official Miao New Year Celebration had already passed for 20 days, but the party was still going on in the villages.
 

Leishan Region

Yes, my guess was very right, this experience was absolutely a highlight. In the late afternoon, we arrived at a township via Leishan called Fangxiang, a very authentic Miao village built right on a steep mountain. I was received with open arms by the locals, and of course, they offered lots and of rice wine.

A group was dancing with a bronze drum, and there were huge Lusheng pipes. We were only outsiders at the villages, and people there dragged us to go dance with them and tried to teach us the steps.
 

We started to hike around 9am and OMG, today’s hiking is FANTASTIC, plus a beautiful sunny day. We hiked through fields, pine forests, villages, and a crystal stream where we had a kebab picnic, which was tons of fun. We hiked for almost an entire day and by the time we got to the next village, it was almost dark.

We had reached Baibang Short Skirt Miao village, where we were dragged by the locals for another evening of celebrations and a bit more rice wine. No matter whether they know you or not, they cherish every single guest. For dinner, we were invited over to the villager head’s house for dinner and had delicious fresh pork.  The dinner we had with the locals was over 15 people, including the villager leaders and their wives. While we ate, we were treated as VIP guests. After dinner, they sang to us and more and more neighbors kept coming to offer us, because they heard party leader’s home had guests.

After several hours eating, we went to see their dancing. The costume of the Baibang is very distinctive from other shortskirt Miao. The locals had been farming for a entire year, so it’s such a great time to rest and have some good food. I wished badly that you everyone at WildChina could be here witnessing. Such a great great great time. In Guizhou, they have a warm heart, heavy heritage, beautiful costumes and wonderful smiling…

Now, it’s back to Guiyang where my lovely daughter awaits… But I found my mind is not back yet, all the images in my brains are villagers, laughter, rice wine and singing,…

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An account from a recent trip in Guizhou from WildChina expert guide, Xiao. To learn more about Xiao and see a quick clip from Guizhou, please see here. 

If you are interested to see Guizhou’s festivals for yourself,  we would strongly suggest looking at Sisters’ Meals Festival which takes this year from April 5-7, 2012.  More questions? Please contact info@wildchina.com.

WildChina is thrilled to announce the 2012 WildChina Explorer Grant awardees are… Zhang Shanghua AND team Bill Bleisch & Yan Lu! A split tie!

Mt. Gongga

Shanghua, a scientist based in Chengdu, Sichuan province,  will explore the natural beauty and local cultures of Baiyu County in the Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture. Along his journey, he will spend time in The Chaqingsongduo Nature Reserve which houses two-thirds of the world’s population of white-lipped deer or Thorold’s deer, the second largest glacier in the prefecture, and the sources of numerous streams and rivers, and the peak of the mighty Mount Gongga.

Yaqing Monastery in winter

Bill Bleisch, Program Director of China Exploration & Research Society and Yan Lu of Fauna & Flora International will scout a route along the backbone of the Ailao Mountains through the Ailaoshan Nature Reserve.  They are excited about their expedition as it could be the start of a trekking trail along the Ailao Shan ridge and beyond, continuing north to Dali where it would connect with existing trekking routes, creating a long “through-trail.”

Ailao Shan

After receiving  fantastic applications from all over the world, the WildChina Expert Panel, including WildChina founder Zhang Mei had a tough job of selecting three finalists.  From everyone at WildChina, we thank everyone who submitted fantastic applications and we look forward to keeping you posted on our 2012 WildChina Explorers exciting adventures…

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For more questions about the WildChina Explorer Grant, please click here or send a question to explorer@wildchina.com

Pictures by Shanghua Zhang and Art Fund

WildChina would like to offer one complimentary night’s stay at your hotel in Beijing or Shanghai for travelers who book select themed journeys by December 31, 2011 (11:59 EST).

The following journeys apply:

China for Foodies: Explore China with local guides and a WildChina Culinary Host. Learn to make all-time favorite, kungpao chicken, in a private kitchen. Take in the sights and sounds of Xi’an’s bustling night market, where savory lamb skewers roast over coals and sweet glutinous rice steam in bamboo. Learn how to select specialty red chilies and peppercorns after witnessing professional chefs artfully prepare Sichuanese dishes. Save these authentic recipes as treasured souvenirs.

Departures: Apr 14-25, May 12-23, Sep 8-19, Oct 20-31, 2012

Chinese Treasures: WildChina Founder Mei Zhang handcrafted this itinerary for her closest friends in 2009. Travelers will explore the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi’an, gaining access to an emperor’s childhood home at the Forbidden City, a largely un-restored section of the Great Wall and the famed Terracotta Warriors Museum. We then go off the beaten path, visiting villages and glaciers in the famed Tibetan area of Shangri-La and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lijiang. Our journey ends in China’s bustling financial center of Shanghai – the “Paris of the East.”

Departures: Apr 11-23, Oct 12-24, 2012

Ancient Tea and Horse Road: The most daunting trade route in the world, passing through the mightiest mountain range on Earth, the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road linked the fertile emerald teas of Yunnan and Sichuan to the arid landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau, serving as a vital route for isolated tribes who referred to it as the “Eternal Road.” Remaining a virtual mystery to the West for over a millennium, the Road, its history and cultures are now at long last revealed in all of its stunning diversity. Expert led by Canadian explorer Jeff Fuchs

Departure: Apr 11-20, Apr 11-23, Sep 12-21, Oct 12-24 2012

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Promotion applies to additional nights pre- or post-journeys listed only.  Departures for all journeys leave in spring and fall of 2012. To take advantage of this offer, please contact your WildChina travel consultant or e-mail us at info@wildchina.com.
First and third photo by Michael Mudd

When we came across Shanghai Street Stories, we knew we had found something really special.  Gorgeous images, unique perspectives into Shanghai and insightful commentary.  Enough superlatives, already–Check it out!

This Friday, December 16th, WildChina will feature a full-length interview with Sue Anne Tay, author of Shanghai Street Stories. We have included a sneak peak at some of Sue Anne’s photos– enjoy!

Sue Anne Tay is the photographer and author of Shanghai Street Stories. For more information on WildChina’s photography trips, learn more about High Speed China, an exciting new trip for photographers interested in traveling to China. Questions? Shoot us an email at info@wildchina.com.

The following post was written by a student from Concordia International School Shanghai who traveled with WildChina to Abujee in September 2011.

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Trekking amidst the tranquility and nature that is Abujee, a sacred region in Shangri-la, Yunnan, was a rewarding experience that garnered many new friends and beautiful memories. On this trip, our group studied aspects of Buddhism through a visit to a monastery and a private meeting with a lama, a spiritual leader. Interaction with the local horsemen also allowed us insight into Tibetan culture and lifestyle. On a particular night, we were warmly welcomed into the home of a Tibetan friend of our guides’ for dinner, where we sampled the delightfully explosive yak butter tea and enjoyed their traditional song and dance, which we reciprocated with a hilarious rendition of the “Hokey-pokey”.”

After chilling in town and a “leisurely” hike on the first day, we began our trek on the barely-touched-by-foreigners path to Abujee. The physical demands of the trail called for mutual encouragement and individual strength that drew the group closer, both to each other and to the majestic terrain of Shangri-la. Through sweat, burning muscles, and the amazing leadership of Jeff “The-Guy-with-the-hair” Fuchs, Sonam “Beast” Geleg, and WildChina’s David and Max, many of us surprised ourselves with our own ability to push onward and succeed.

Amidst games of Big Two, sing-offs, campfires, and appalling encounters with monstrous bugs, we laughed and learned and grew. Thus were born “Goat-girl”, “Sugar-boy”, “Falcwynn”, and the sophisticated and refined game of “Abububall”.

On that dreaded last day, each one of us looked wistfully at the distant mountains, waving goodbye with a bittersweet smile and a heavy heart, reluctant to leave the place that would henceforth cause us to smile fondly.

And so, I ruefully conclude that the trip was a lot like this passage—a process both fun and funny, albeit a tad trying at times, and regretfully, much, much too short.

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This young student traveled with WildChina in September of 2011.  For journeys to Abujee, check out our website here or contact us at info@wildchina.com.

WildChina is thrilled to announce the launch of Jalam Tea Company.  For those of you looking for holiday gifts from China, this is a great company to check out if you have friends, family or colleagues who are passionate about high quality Chinese tea.

Jeff Fuchs, one of Jalam’s founder and frequent expert guide for WildChina in Yunnan, has lived in northwest Yunnan for several years and has developed a deep passion and knowledge for the best teas in China.  From his years of sourcing, writing and sipping the teas from southern Yunnan, everyone at WildChina knows that Jeff’s tea products will be outstanding.  We can’t wait to sample…

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If you are interested in learning more about China’s world famous teas, check out The Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road lead by Jeff Fuchs from April 11-20, 2012 and September 12-21, 2012. Contact info@wildchina.com to learn more.

Photo by Jeff Fuchs

Winner of the 2011 WildChina Explorer Grant, Jeff Fuchs says, “Nice as it is to sleep within walls, I feel slightly claustrophobic and long to get out to the fresh air and unencumbered sight-lines again.”  From his Tea and Mountain Journals, here is the latest update from his journeys in southwest China…

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The kora, for Buddhists and Hindus, circumambulating in a clockwise direction follows the apparent movement of the sun. The sun in question is now hidden as we wake in the camp of Chube’ka. Tucked into the valley there is only cold air seeping out of the earth and into us. Sleep was touch and go, though there are no immediate reasons as to why – sleep isn’t always a comforting time in the mountains.

Another of the faces that stay with me. A nomadic pilgrim, having just dunked her head in a stream wipes the remnants off. Toughness in the mountains is a minimum requirement and it is never something flaunted...it simply is

Reke has slept badly and his normally patient face is tight and explosive looking. Michael wants a tough day and he is impatient to push the bodies into the redlines. Kandro looks at me over tea telling me that today will be “up, up, up”. Drolma is ever-smiling steering our morning with liquid, food and the kind of quiet care that women the world over can provide. Our big man Tseba sits quietly away from the fire with a bowl of tea with those big chocolate eyes straying into the skies. I find his moods a good gauge of the days to come for us.

With every day, new arrivals, new destinations and always new departures

Pushing the pace we make good time catching and then falling into pace with a large group of nomadic pilgrims, led by a slightly deformed young man whose strengths seem realized in the ascents. He is a mess of dust, disheveled hair and of magnificently wild eyes that flick everywhere in a moment. He wears a suit coat slung as only a Tibetan can sling a piece of clothing: loose, one arm out and tied in a casual knot at the waist. The young boy’s back is hunched and one arm appears longer than the other. His being looks like he has been hunted for his entire life. He moves with the uncanny smoothness of a cat. It is as though his distorted body has become his supreme vessel. I suspect he pushes himself to punish and purify his past and future lives respectively…karma, in his mind at least, may be to blame for his malformed back. I cannot stop looking at him.

he young man that made such an impression on me. Bent by disfigurement, his simian strength and agility ate up the kora in gulps

His chin seems perpetually puckered as though he has been engaged in the effort of simply living. And of course I am aware that I, in my way, I maybe creating an entirely different picture in my head than he really is. I cannot help but feel though, that every pilgrim group we encounter has a titan or self appointed guardian leading it. This face is one that stays in the mind long after the features have disappeared.

We make it up 1000 metres before lunch to Nang Tong La, lunching at the auspicious ‘Karmapa Spring’. Around us are entire clans feasting away in a yellow plastic enclosure…and there he is, the misshapen boy running every which way preparing, arranging and creating for his band of travelers. Our eyes meet and I smile and he doesn’t, but there is a millisecond of something from those haunted eyes before moving on.

Lunch tents became populated during mid-day and would empty out in minutes only to wait for the next day's hungry

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For the full account from Jeff’s journey, visit his blog Tea and Mountain Journals. To travel with Jeff on a WildChina journey along the Ancient Tea & Horse Caravan Road, click here or contact us at info@wildchina.com.

All photos & post by Jeff Fuchs.