Guizhou

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Travel Tips: Experiencing springtime flora in China

February 8, 2010 in Travel Tips by Alex G | No comments

After a long day of battling sub-zero temperatures, icy cold winds and more snow, it is hard for China’s northern residents to imagine that spring is not too far away. However, now is the time to begin planning trips around China in March, April, and May. During these months, a gorgeous variety of flowers and plants spring up all over China.

Beautiful rapeseed fields in Guizhou (Source: denniscox.net)

WildChina has compiled our list of favorite destinations to see delightful arrays of flora this spring in the Middle Kingdom:

Yunnan: In Yunnan, visitors delight in the natural variety and diversity that the province has to offer. Beautiful rhododendrons, azaleas, and irises line the paths of the Mt. Kawagebo area national parks.

Guangxi/Guizhou: In the spring, Guizhou and Guangxi’s terraced rice fields are absolutely stunning. Sparkling in the morning sun and evening sunset, these terraced marvels are a must-see for those traveling to southern China.

Guizhou: Venture to Guizhou to see its incredible yellow rapeseed fields grow when the weather warms up. These natural marvels are wonderful to witness during some of the most pleasant months of the year.

Want more information on experiencing China’s springtime flora? Contact WildChina’s Director of Private Journeys, Barbara Henderson, at barbara.henderson@wildchina.com.

A Place to Play for Leishan Village

October 12, 2009 in On the Road by Emma | 1 comment

On a hiking trip through mountainous Guizhou province, WildChina’s local partner Shiau Xiao stopped at a remote village to shoot some hoops with the children of Leishan village. They laughed and played basketball, until suddenly, Xiao twisted his ankle and fell to the ground. With a 2-hour hike from Leishan to the nearest road, how was Xiao going to get home?

Knowing there was no way Xiao could hike out as he had planned, the villagers of Leishan opened their homes and hearts to Xiao. Even though his ankle was badly hurt, Xiao was able to hike out the next day due to the Miao people’s knowledge of local herbs and traditional remedies.

As Xiao returned to his hometown, he remembered the kindness of the Miao people of Leishan. Thinking back to the fun he had playing basketball with the village children, he decided to do something for them in return. At the school where he had played, the basketball court had only one hoop and was made of dirt. Xiao decided to help Leishan build a real basketball court, a place for all of the villagers to play.

Xiao came to WildChina this summer to ask for help collecting donations. Many members of the staff were moved by Xiao’s story of Leishan village, and decided to help. Due to Xiao’s hard work and funding from WildChina, Leishan got their basketball court just in time for school to start.

Leishan's New Basketball Court

Leishan Village Children Enjoy Their New Court

In Guizhou, imposing mountains dot the horizon, creating a stunning landscape of breathtaking views. However, these mountains make transportation and building roads here difficult. Life in Guizhou, China’s poorest province, is not easy.

In Southeastern Guizhou, Leishan, is truly remote. With a 2-hour hike separating Leishan from the nearest road, this village of 130 residents carries all of the supplies they need in and out on foot. Home to a group of ethnic Miao people, Leishan is a place where Miao culture and traditions remain strongly embedded in everyday life.

Miao Residents of Leishan Village

The villagers celebrated the new basketball court with a huge banquet, Miao songs and traditional dances. Out of a sprained ankle and the kindness of a village, came a chance for children to play.

Shiau Xiao and Leshan Village ChildrenShiau Xiao and Leishan Village Children

WildChina in National Geographic Traveler: Tours of a Lifetime

April 23, 2009 in In the News by Emma | No comments

WildChina is proud to be featured in the latest issue of National Geographic Traveler in their “Tours of a Lifetime” article. One of our most interesting journeys, “Old Country Living: Wandering the Rustic Landscapes of Guizhou and Guangxi” was picked for its unique blend of culture, adventure, and off-the-beaten-path travel. From the site:

Cut off from the rest of the country by rugged mountains, the southern provinces of Guangxi and Guizhou are largely unspoiled—tranquil lakes, jagged karst peaks. The region is home to many minority groups, many of whom still wear traditional dress and work at cormorant fishing and papermaking. You’ll stay in a series of rural homes. The Beijing-based operator works with villages to ensure that tourism doesn’t harm the community. One Guizhou village, for instance, closes itself to travelers three months each year to help maintain their traditional routines. Wild China: “Old Country Living: Wandering the Rustic Landscapes of Guangxi and Guizhou, China,”

Thanks National Geographic Traveler! We’re glad to be picked for such a wonderful distinction.

Interested in this trip? Email us at info@wildchina.com.

Voluntourism: Rejuvenating Romance

March 20, 2009 in In the News by Emma | No comments

Teaching English, building roads, and revitalizing schools are not usually the first things that come to mind when most people think of romantic getaways. However, a recent article in TIME talks about couples growing closer through service vacations, or voluntourism.

From the article:

Even though volunteer vacations don’t leave much room for candles and flowers, says Antoniotti, they have been rejuvenating for her relationship. “Not that a typical vacation isn’t fun, but if it’s really easy, you don’t have those experiences that stretch you,” she says. “It’s like in exercise how they say tiny tears in your muscles allow you to get stronger. Little things that take you outside of your comfort zone challenge you as a couple and make you stronger.”

WildChina has always been dedicated to serving the local communities we visit, and we’re constantly on the lookout for new projects. We’ve taken students on service trips in Guizhou, work closely with the WWF in Sichuan, and are developing service trips with Habitat for Humanity. Visit us at wildchina.com and follow us on Twitter to learn more!

Travel With a Purpose: Voluntourism in China

October 13, 2008 in On the Road by Emma | No comments

WildChina VoluntourismSmiling Olympic volunteers were ubiquitous on the streets of Beijing this August and September, and news of their helpfulness was reported in several media outlets . These legions of volunteers are just one part of the growing culture of community service in China. This trend isn’t limited to the local Chinese population though, as there are a growing number of opportunities for visitors to China to devote some of their time to service. This is especially true for educational and non-profit groups, and WildChina is commited to organizing activities that aid local communities and enrich traveler experiences.

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Guizhou: Preserving Cultural Traditions

August 5, 2008 in On the Road by Anita | 1 comment

Did you know that kung pao chicken originated in Guizhou province, not in Sichuan?

Yes, food is on my mind, as I’ve been eating way too much. And, no, the title of my post isn’t referring to preserving food. It’s about preserving ancient cultural traditions, ones that have been passed down from one generation to the next for years on end.

In Guizhou (southwestern China), I joined a family of four from North Carolina, on a trip entitled “Hidden Tribes of China.” We were led by our highly energetic guide, Xiao, a lifelong Guizhou native whose deep passion for his province was truly infectious. The trip was eye-opening for all of us—a chance to see how China’s ethnic groups have maintained their vibrancy in the midst of the modernization sweeping across the country.

 

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