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In The News
The absolute latest updates in China travel information.

On the Road
Our tales from the trail and dispatches straight from the source.

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What to bring, where to go, and how to get around China.

Mei Zhang
WildChina founder, entrepreneur, mother.

Chelin Miller
Insider tips on China's finer side

September 22nd, 2009

Beijing Closures During Oct. Holiday

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

As Beijing continues to prepare for the 60th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on Oct. 1 and the weeklong National Holiday, we are receiving new updates on closures during this period:

  • The Forbidden City will be closed from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.
  • On Oct. 1, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, the Beijing Capital Airport will cancel all domestic flights, and international flights will be postponed to 12:50 pm.
  • From now until Oct. 8, the Tibet Tourism Bureau in Beijing will stop issuing the Tibet travel permit, which is required to enter Tibet. WildChina is working with our local partner in Tibet to remain updated on this matter.

Need more information? Email us at info@wildchina.com.

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September 19th, 2009

Mini T-Rex Discovered in China, Named Raptorex

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

Discovery of a mini T-Rex called the Raptorex was recently announced, after being discovered in a lake bed in Inner Mongolia years ago. Perhaps this mini dinosaur, 1/100th of the size of the T-Rex, should be nick-named the Wee-Rex?

Archaeologists and paleontologists have long been researching dinosaurs in China’s northern Gansu province, but this new discovery makes it seem likely that hoards of scientists will be flocking to Inner Mongolia to look for relatives of the Raptorex.

If you’re interested in learning more about searching for dinosaur fossils in China, send us an email at info@wildchina.com WildChina won’t guarantee that you’ll make  the next great paleontological discovery, but it will definitely be a ton of fun and an amazing experience.

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September 18th, 2009

Travel + Leisure’s A-List Features Mei Zhang and WildChina

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

WildChina just found out that our founder Mei Zhang is  included on Travel+Leisure’s list of the 129 Top Travel Agents in the world – congratulations Mei!

While we’re anxiously holding our breath to see what it looks like in print, you can read Mei’s mention on the Travel + Leisure website now.

Want to see the rest of the list? Check it out online, or wait for the October issue to hit newsstands soon.

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September 16th, 2009

More Beijing Site Closings This Week

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

Related to our recent post on Beijing road closings, there are quite a few changes with Beijing’s roads and sites leading up to the 60th Anniversary Parade for the People’s Republic of China. The full text of specific road closures can be found on the Beijing government site, but the most important thing for travelers is that the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square will be closed all day on Friday, September 18th.

Need suggestions for something else to do that day? Email us at info@wildchina.com

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September 11th, 2009

Beijing Roads Closed for Parade Practice Saturday, September 12

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

The 60th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on the October 1st National Holiday is rapidly approaching. In preparation for the major parade that will accompany the celebration, a lot of roads near the city center (Tiananmen Square and Chang’an Jie) will be closed tomorrow.

From the Beijing Government website (Chinese), it seems that the whole area around Tiananmen Square will be closed, including the Forbidden City and Zhongshan Park. WildChina highly recommends avoiding the center of the city, as well as the area near Wukesong Stadium, as road closings will create heavy traffic (and none of the major sites will be open anyways).

Luckily, the weather tomorrow should be beautiful – perfect for a trip to the Great Wall or the 798 Art District!

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September 10th, 2009

Engaged on the Great Wall!

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

One of the best things about working at WildChina is hearing the stories that our guests bring back from their trips.

A few weeks ago our clients Jay and Erica got engaged to be married while hiking on the Great Wall. Our guide Bruce was there to snap pictures as Jay got down on one knee and proposed, and the look on Erica’s face is priceless.

Engaged on the Great Wall

Congratulations! Engaged on the Great Wall

Congratulations and best wishes!

(Jay and Erica gave WildChina permission to post their pictures. We’re so glad we could share in their happy day.)

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September 9th, 2009

Eyes in the Forest: “Trapping” Wildlife with Cameras

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

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.

One of the nature reserves visited  is the Changqing Nature Reserve in Shaanxi, which we’ll be hearing much more about in the coming weeks. Stay tuned and enjoy!

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September 2nd, 2009

For Breathable Air, Visit Beijing in October

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

A friend/WildChina client sent me this note:

“About China and the air quality in Beijing I think your statement “Loved the energy there, but worried about the air quality” sums up the problem. I believe it is this energy (human energy) that is creating, in part, the sources of air pollution. In other words to improve air quality this energy must be directed towards environmental friendly chores that is by their nature are less rewarding financially on the short term. This would not be acceptable for a population that is trying to improve their lots in life after so many years of poverty and lack of opportunities. Does this makes sense? You tell me.”

My husband labels me as a “patriotic Chinese” and I generally stay away from commenting on politics. But, for air quality, I do want to give my travel advice: If you are going to Beijing and Shanghai, go in the Fall (or Spring as second choice). I was in Beijing in July just before Olympics last year, and then again August this year, the air difference was night and day.  On the recent trip, I took my  kids out for walks to my favorite Ritan Park by the Friendship Store in Beijing at 5am (jetlag), and I couldn’t breathe! 5AM, it’s supposed to be the cleanest air of the day! Either my memory of lovely Beijing eluded me, or the air seriously deteriorated. Fall is the only time when you see crisp blue skies occasionally in Beijing. In the Spring, sometimes you can run into serious sand storms that turn the sky black.

To my friends comment, here is my response:

I can’t agree with you more on the energy vs. air quality tug and pull. The sad thing is, most of the people I know there are oblivious to it, precisely as you said, making money is more important. There are some friends who already have money, they are very pessimistic – oh, there is no hope, so why bother, just go live overseas. Then, there are the few who are dedicated to conservation, they care and want to do good, but their voices are often muted by the tide.

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August 20th, 2009

WildChina’s Best of China Awards

By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

best of china award

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:

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.

  • Bifengxia Panda Reserve, Sichuan: volunteer at the panda breeding center & hike in the wild
  • Dunhuang, Gansu: ride camels in the desert & visit thousand-year-old cave paintings
  • Everest Base Camp, Tibet: sleep in a monastery, watch the sun rise over the mountain
  • Kashgar, Xinjiang: wander the streets of the rapidly disappearing old town
  • Watertown of Wuzhen, Zhejiang: glimpse ancient Chinese life along the canals of a quietly beautiful town
  • Top 5 Activities

    The best part of any WildChina trip are the interactive activities you experience with your friends and family. These 5 must-do’s are ideal because they combine unique aspects of Chinese culture with superb access to sites and individuals.

    Did we leave out your favorite hotel, site or activity? Let us know!

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    August 11th, 2009

    WildChina on the Web: Responsible Travel and Beijing Since the Olympics

    By: Mei | Categories: Culture, News You Can Use

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

    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!

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