Jiuzhaigou National Park isn’t as likely to be visited by people traveling to China as the Great Wall is–but it should be. This region represents an oasis of natural beauty striking enough to rival Yosemite National Park and the Galapagos. Indeed, this breath taking landscape is the very reason WildChina has teamed up with National Geographic photographer Michael Yamashita to offer a photography trip to this “picture perfect” destination. For those of you on the road to becoming the next Ansel Adams, this adventure provides an exciting opportunity to hone your skills.

Jiuzhaigou–a UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve–is a national park worthy of the international recognition it has received. Home to exotic birds and the giant panda, Jiuzhaigou is a China wildlife safari all unto itself. But honestly, can you blame these creatures for making their homes in the area? Book now to reserve yourself a spot in the neighborhood from April 2-8.

Throughout your adventure in this utopia Michael Yamashita will be at your side ensuring you get the most out of both your shots and the experience. If you are interested in this journey be sure to reach out to us sooner than later as April is around the corner and spots on this adventure are getting snapped up faster than the shutter on your camera.

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 If you are curious about participating in this journey, or have other questions about travel in China, send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

For those of you looking for a fantastic photography adventure to another region of China, WildChina also offers an expedition along the Silk Road with Sean Gallagher. Sean’s work has appeared in publications including TIME Magazine, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, Der Spiegel and National Geographic China. In 2010, he was the official photographer for the visit of British Prime Minister, David Cameron, to China. If you’re up for a focused look at this ancient highway look no further.

Stories of pollution in China are all over the news. In the midst of this flurry of information, you probably have a lot of questions about what exactly it all means. To start with, what is the cause of all the pollution?

(Beijing on a clearer day and on a more polluted day)

Although car exhaust does contribute, the majority of the pollution arises from China’s heavy industry–in particular its steel production. Although the tools exist in these plants to limit their emissions, the issue is complicated by the conflict of private and public industry.  While it is difficult to say what steps China will be taking the future, it is definitely not an issue that has escaped the notice, or the ire, of the country’s population which is putting more pressure on the government to figure it all out.

For now though, you are probably wondering–what does this mean for me and my family when traveling to China?  Right off the bat, the best person to give you answers is your doctor. Not only do they know your individual medical history, but they are also trained health professionals who know the ins and outs of the possible effects of air pollution–the rest of us decided long ago that 5+ years of graduate school wasn’t in the cards.

(Bamboo forests in Anhui province)

From us at WildChina however, we can share what it’s like traveling and living in China–as well as some facts from our on-the-ground intelligence that will put your mind at ease. To begin with, all of China isn’t polluted all of the time. If you are on a WildChina adventure, chances are you won’t be spending your time where the pollution is at its worst: in China’s 2nd and 3rd-tiered cities (these are cities smaller than Beijing and Shanghai but larger than Shangri-La). The rural provinces such as Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou all boast air clean enough to rival that of the Rockies. In the main cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, it’s true that we’ve had those rare, “crazy bad” days that attracted so much attention, but those are few and far between. Both Beijing and Shanghai have large communities of expats from all over the world who have yet to be turned away by bad air. In fact, most days, Beijing has the capacity to look like the picture below–which is #nofilter and completely unedited.

(Blue skies over the Forbidden City in Beijing)

If you’re planning a trip to China, feel free to contact us for the latest updates on the current environmental situation. We monitor both the current and projected pollution levels and can advise you accordingly. For clients who are interested, we can also provide face masks that cover the nose and mouth in case you hit a bad day during your time here–just let us know in advance so we can have them ready for you when you arrive. Traveling to new places always means new conditions we are not familiar with. We feel the most important thing on any journey is to be informed on your destination before you set out. Our hope is that this post has provided you with useful information.

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If you have any other questions about pollution or travel in China, feel free to send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

pollution comparison photo by BBC News, Forbidden City photo by Minnie Kim

*BOOK CHINESE TREASURES BEFORE THE END OF MARCH TO RECEIVE $200 OFF THE PRICE. EMAIL US AT INFO@WILDCHINA.COM TO ENQUIRE)*

Back in 2000, when Mei Zhang first started WildChina, her clients were personal friends, family, and acquaintances. Because she knew these first customers well, Mei took special care to create a journey that she knew wasn’t available anywhere else–she created Chinese Treasures. Mei wanted to take her friends to the famous Chinese sites that they had heard about all their lives–the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai’s colonial Bund–but also provide them with experiences that would take them off the beaten track, to see a very real side of China few travelers ever learned about.

The trip was a huge hit. Chinese Treasures is book-ended by China’s two most famous cities, allowing travelers an up close look at the imperial architecture of the past, the development of the future, and all the delicious dishes Beijing and Shanghai have to offer in between. Mei decided that after visiting China’s bustling metropolises, she would show her friends the place she knew best in the world–her home province of Yunnan.

In this southwestern, rural Chinese province, Mei’s friends would have the chance to break bread–or in this case noodles–with local people and take part in traditional banquets, songs, and dances. They would even get a little taste of nirvana with a trip to the heights of Shangri-La.

Upon their return Mei’s friends were euphoric. Mei’s initial success would inspire her to lay out the ethos of personal interaction and firsthand knowledge that would shape every journey created at WildChina since. Testament to her travel know-how and thoughtfulness for her travelers, Mei has been honored to be selected as a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist for China an incredible three times since WildChina was founded. While Mei’s fingerprints are visible on every WildChina journey, Chinese Treasures is where it all started. If you are considering a trip to China, we can think of no better introduction than this; a journey of epic proportions planned and perfected by our founder.

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If you have questions about travel in China, send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Who doesn’t love dumplings? Tiny edible parcels bursting with delicious juice and flavor; each little morsel is a delightful surprise for your pallet. This past fall, WildChina traveler Charles Haynes partook in our Gastronomic Tour of China with chef and food critic Fuchsia Dunlop. Fuchsia took the group to Xi’an, home to the famous Chinese dumpling, and they just couldn’t get enough. Check out some of the dumplings they tasted below–photo credit for these amazing photos goes to Charles Haynes. Beware, looking at this blog could lead to you trying to eat your computer!

Duck dumplings

Golden dumplings

Little gold bag dumplings

Shrimp in a rice wrapping

Walnut dumplings

Skirt dumplings

Vegetable fin dumplings

Four leaf clover dumplings

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If you have questions about travel in China, send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

All photos taken and provided courtesy of Charles Haynes

Last week, almost 30 of  VF and The North Face’s business leaders were looking to get together for a strategy session in Beijing. Since WildChina is partnered with The North Face for the WildChina Explorer Grant, they reached out to us for exciting, local dinner ideas in Beijing.

We recommended a hot pot (in addition to Beijing, hot pot is also extremely popular in Guizhou and Inner Mongolia) banquet next to Beijing’s peaceful Houhai Lake–it fit the bill for the perfect gastronomic adventure. Haidilao supplied the cuts, broths, and sauces, and WildChina rented out Nuage for the occasion, adding our own decorations here and there to spice things up. After the meats had been cooked, the noodles added, and the broth drunk, the group retired to a WildChina favorite: The Opposite House. Not such a bad way to end a work day in our book.

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If you have a corporate event you are planning in China, or simply have questions about travel in China in general, send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.