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In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific Theater, WildChina and The Royal Asiatic Society Beijing are pleased to present a series of specially curated journeys through history. These thoughtfully crafted programs offer a poignant opportunity to reflect upon the pivotal events and collaborative efforts that ultimately led to victory.
From this crucible of conflict arose a remarkable partnership, as courageous Western aviators took to the skies above China, their bravery and sacrifice forever woven into the fabric of this nation’s history. From the eastern shores of China, where the Doolittle Raiders ignited a spark of hope in Quzhou, to the far-flung reaches of Yunnan, where the Flying Tigers and Hump pilots stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their Chinese comrades, the story of Western aviators in World War II China whispers a saga of courage, determination, and international solidarity.
Embark on a captivating journey through World War II China, retrace the legacy and footsteps of the US airmen, and discover the profound impact of Western aviators on this nation’s fight for freedom.
Flying Tigers
In the early years of World War II, before the US officially entered the conflict, the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG), known as the Flying Tigers, became a key force in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. Formed in 1941 by Claire Lee Chennault, a retired US Army officer trusted by Chiang Kai-shek, the Flying Tigers were American pilots volunteering to defend China. Later integrated into the US military, all units trained under Chennault were called “Flying Tigers”, including Chinese and Chinese-American airmen. Their defense of the skies over western China, notably Tengchong, made them pivotal players in the conflict.
To read more about this history, click the button and download our brochure for full itinerary and detailed information.
Meet the experts hosting this journey:
Explore a unique perspective on US-China relations with our host Melinda Liu, a Beijing-based journalist and daughter of Tung-Sheng Liu, an Honorary Doolittle Raider renowned for aiding the downed pilots at great personal risk. Born and educated in the US, Melinda has lived and worked in China for nearly 30 years as Newsweek’s Beijing Bureau Chief. By helping establish the Doolittle Raid Memorial Hall in Quzhou, co-directing documentary films such as “Doolittle Raiders: A China Story” and advising Yunnan’s Flying Tigers Research Association, she aspires to illuminate the intertwined American and Chinese WWII histories. Join Melinda in an exploration of East and West in WWII China, bridging past sacrifices with present understanding in a compelling narrative journey.
Alan Babington-Smith is another host of this program, utilizing his professional knowledge and connections as founder of the Royal Asiatic Society Beijing (RASBJ). Alan has lived and worked as a banker in the UK, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Poland and the Baltics, and has lived in China since 2000. His great-uncle commanded the WWII “Dambusters” in Europe and his aunt Constance Babington-Smith was a pioneer in interpreting WWII aerial photography in the UK and the USA. Alan has published the story of British missionary Dr. Stanley Babington, who built the Enze Medical Bureau in Linhai, where the Doolittle Raiders’ crew 7 received life-saving medical treatment.
Housed in a meticulously restored building, the Manque Hotel once served as the offices of Asiatic Petroleum and the British Embassy during WWII.
Experience the historic allure of Tengchong by staying in one of its boutique hotels.
The Peninsula Hong Kong, a historical landmark overlooking Victoria Harbour, served as a pivotal location during World War II.
Dates for this journey
October 18th – 25th, 2025
What’s Included
What’s Excluded
Trip Costs
$6,880 USD per person
Single Supplement: +$1,280
(Please note that 6.72% Value-Added Tax (VAT) is already included in the prices above)
To honor the legacy of the Flying Tigers, we are proud to offer a 20% discount to direct descendants of these heroic groups. To claim this offer, please share your family’s connection to their legacy—we are deeply grateful to help keep their stories alive.
We’re on the ground with you
Our team of advisors will design every detail of the trip with you through close consultation, then orchestrate your entire journey while on the ground. We’re in the same time zone as you, so we can fulfill requests and handle issues without a hitch. With over 40 staff in China and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we have the manpower to ensure your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end.
Your trip, your way
Flexibility is our highest-ranking compliment. We pull off journeys for pioneers with a 6-hour layover to Hollywood’s elite, and everywhere in between. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life.
We embody passion
WildChina guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China.
The little things, the big picture
Supporting inspired local economies allows you to experience the soul of the destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s artisanal culture. From watching artisans creating their handcrafts, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.
