The Wild Side of China: A Nature Odyssey

Journey into China's Minshan Mountains on a small-group safari to meet and photograph playful pandas, endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys and other rare Chinese wildlife.

From close-up encounters with pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys to cultural wonders and culinary delights, learn what to expect on our China adventures. Expedition Leader Edward Savage takes us on a virtual journey into the Minshan Mountains, where we meet plentiful Chinese wildlife, including takin, goral, serow, blue sheep, golden pheasant and red pandas. He also offers a peek at our accommodations and details the differences between our 12-day Wild Side of China nature journey and our 14-day Wild China Photo Expedition, designed for avid photographers of all ability levels.

Can you name all eight bear species? You’ll be able to after this exclusive author talk! Bears have shaped ecosystems and inspired human storytelling for millennia. But today, many bears face an uncertain future. Join award-winning journalist and author Gloria Dickie and Nat Hab Director of Content Rachel Walker for a conversation about Dickie’s acclaimed book Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future. They’ll explore the cultural mythology, biology and conservation challenges facing bears, from grizzlies and polar bears to the little-known bears of Southeast Asia.

On our Wild Side of China expedition through the misty mountains of Sichuan, China, we visit three world-renowned giant panda research and breeding centers, along with protected habitat in the Wild Panda Nature Reserve—home to not only endemic pandas, but Tibetan and rhesus macaques, takin, moon bears, red pandas, golden pheasants and other rare species. Join Expedition Leader Edward Savage to learn about the global conservation partnerships rooted here and the vital role these remote reserves play in securing the future of China’s most iconic bear.

Discover a side of China most travelers never see on our journey into the Minshan Mountains of Sichuan province. Experience Chinese nature at its most entrancing—including close-up encounters with pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys! Expedition Leader Brad Josephs shares a comprehensive overview of this unique itinerary, including activities, transportation, accommodations, packing advice, and a peek at more of the rare and endangered Chinese wildlife we’re likely to see, from takin, goral, serow and blue sheep to golden pheasant and adorable red pandas.