If you use WeChat, scan this QR code to follow our official account, WildChina_Journeys. On WeChat, you’ll have China-travel inspiration at your fingertips and we have travel designers on call 24/7 to answer your questions.
WildChina and Serpentine Expeditions are partnering up to launch an expert-led herpetological expedition in China, featuring a quest for the Mangshan Pit Viper.
Since antiquity, reptiles and amphibians have held a place of reverence and mystic power in Chinese folklore, inspiring the motif of dragons and celestial serpents. This expedition follows the path of some of the Middle Kingdom’s most coveted herpetological treasures, covering both those who have adapted to live on the fringes of densely populated urban centers, and those who remain in their natural habitats, now protected national forest parks and UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves.
Meet the herping experts leading this expedition:
An avid conservationist and anthropologist, Michael excels at highlighting the intersectionality between natural and cultural heritage in the expeditions he leads. He started his guiding career in China, having worked domestically in Sichuan for years, leading trips ranging from tracking snub-nose monkeys to trekking with Tibetan nomads. Michael received a Bachelor of Arts in ethnographic studies and Chinese culture before studying mandarin at Southwest Minzu University (西南民族 大学). In addition to acting as media spokesperson for the largest reptile sanctuary in the United States, Michael is a prolific field-herper and spends his free time documenting wild reptiles. He is featured as co-host for the field-herping program, Serpentine, and his footage is featured by Apple TV+. To him, field-herping and travel are ways to provide clients with mediated experiences in the natural world while empowering them to engage in conservation. His favorite animals include elephants, great apes, monitor lizards, tree vipers, hornbills, and crocodilians.
Coming from Phoenix, Arizona, Ian is a Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (RMSEL) graduate, freelance Conservation Videographer, Wildlife Photographer, and Expedition Guide. He has worked on a diverse range of projects concerning wildlife conservation; from Operation Milagro VIII in Mexico alongside Sea Shepherd Conservation Society & supporting anti-poaching operations in Indonesia, to appearing on BBC’s My Place on Planet Earth and filming with wildlife rewilding centers as well as newly established preserves in the Peruvian Amazon. He is a co-host of the short-form field herping show known as “Serpentine”, popular on CarbonTV. Today, Ian leads expeditions across the planet in search of rare, imperiled, and understudied reptile & amphibian species. He also collaborates on a myriad of international conservation projects, applying technical skills, logistics management, and a background in Wilderness Medicine towards not only making adventure more accessible, but inspiring others to appreciate what we have while it’s still here – and fight to protect it.
Born in Spain, Jaime holds a Bachelor of Biology, MSc. in Environmental Education and MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation of Tropical Areas. He has been living in Ecuador for more than 7 years, where he works as a reptile and amphibian researcher and nature photographer, receiving numerous photography and conservation awards such as Big Picture Photo Competition, Montphoto, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, among others. Conservation Award “Montphoto Grant – WWF 2017” to promote the conservation of reptiles and amphibians of Chocó in Ecuador, Colombia and Panama; and, 2018 Conservation Photographer Award for the Spanish Association of Nature Photographers, for their work in spreading Ecuador’s biodiversity and its threats. Jaime was also featured in BBC’s Planet Earth III. His greatest interest is to spread awareness of the existence and importance of threatened species, promote love towards reptiles and amphibians, as well as the fight against illegal trafficking of species and the snake-human conflict.
EAST Hong Kong
4-star hotel
Situated on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island in the bustling Taikoo Shing district, EAST Hong Kong stands out as a contemporary lifestyle hotel, captivating guests with its sleek and stylish design. The rooms are designed with comfort in mind, offering bright and spacious accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s urban landscape. What makes EAST Hong Kong truly exceptional, however, is its unwavering commitment to sustainability, featuring initiatives such as urban gardening, plant-based dining options, and eco-friendly campaigns aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.
Hilton Garden Inn Chenzhou Beihu
4-star hotel
A short drive from both of Chenzhou’s train stations and the airport, the newly opened (2022) Hilton Garden Inn is the best accommodation option in Chenzhou for weary travelers looking for a comfortable night’s sleep after a long day’s travels. Located on the outskirts of the city center, the hotel has a quiet surrounding and peaceful ambience, coupled with on-site dining and workout facilities, providing everything you need for a thoughtful stay.
Mangshan Forest Hot Spring Hotel
Local 4-star hotel
Located inside Mangshan National Forest Park, the Mangshan Forest Hot Spring Hotel is hands-down the best place to stay when visiting the park. Backing up against lush mountain foliage, the hotel offers immersive views from most every room. The best part of this hotel, however is the hot spring pool. Funky modern architecture sits beside an infinity pool, where guests can stare out into the forest peaks, with no backdrop other than the total bliss of interrupted nature.
West Lake State Guesthouse, Hangzhou
Local 5-star hotel
West Lake State Guesthouse is located double west – in the western area of West Lake, at the foot of Dingjia Mountain, with 270-degree views straight out onto the lake itself. The hotel is an emulation of state grandeur in every aspect of the say, including the size, covering a truly expansive 360,000 square meters. The elegant and exquisite buildings of West Lake State Guesthouse and the surrounding Jiangnan gardens boast traditional Chinese charm with winding corridors and a medley of architecturally-composed angles. Enjoy the highest level of Chinese service, exactly as a state guest would do, from the on-site Ruyi Butler and the flawless customer service. In fact, Chairman Mao stayed in this very hotel frequently and often quoted it as his “second home”.
Hotel Indigo Hangzhou Tianmushan
5-star hotel
Nestled at the base of the Tianmu Mountains, Hotel Indigo Hangzhou Tianmushan is fully imbued in the ancient forest that surrounds it. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with immersive views of the Tianmu Mountain landscape, or as the hotel puts it “perfectly preserved original nature, the nocturnal chirping, the smell of precious, rare herbs and plants, and the therapeutic tea art.” The health club has an oxygen bar, the cafe sits in a thousand-year-old ginko tree forest, and the food served is organic. In sum, the Hotel Indigo Tianmushan is fully committed to providing the most authentic nature experience possible, without sleeping outside!
Dates for this journey
August 17th – 28th, 2025
Arrival
This journey starts in Hong Kong. We will arrange your arrival pick up from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
Departure
This journey ends in Hangzhou. We will arrange your drop off at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH).
What’s Included
What’s Excluded
Pricing
Trip Difficulty: Adventurer
This journey is for those looking for an adventure. On most days, expect several miles of hiking in nature, looking for snakes and other natural wonders with your experts. You should also be prepared for a couple of long travel days (trains + driving) to connect the remote locations in this itinerary.
Your Guides
Your guide will arrange the logistics of your trip, including meals, hotel reservations, sites, and activities, as well as providing you with information about the local region. Your WildChina guide is specific to each local region and will be confirmed during booking.
Meals and Water
Meals are included, as listed in your itinerary. We strive to arrange meals that highlight authentic local cuisine in clean, local establishments.
It is safe to drink bottled mineral water, but tap water, even in 5-star hotels, is not safe for drinking. We will provide bottled water, tea, and snacks throughout your journey.
We request guests with severe allergies to consult their physicians prior to traveling and to bring all necessary medicines with them. Inform us ahead of time of specific allergies, such as peanuts or shellfish, or sensitivities to MSG, so that we can do our best to ensure these items are not used in your meals.
