Know Before You Go | China
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming China Adventure or just want to learn more about this ancient land, we've got you covered. We've rounded up an array of useful resources, from wildlife guides and packing tips to compelling first-hand accounts written by Nat Hab travelers and staff.
Travel Tips
Wildlife Guide
Wildlife Guide
Learn about giant pandas, moon bears, golden pheasants and other animals you'll encounter on your China nature odyssey.
Cultural Do's and Don'ts
Cultural Do's and Don'ts
Containing the world’s largest population, China has a rich cultural heritage spanning over 4,000 years since the Xia dynasty. Here is some general etiquette when traveling to this remarkable country.
China Wildlife & History Trivia
China Wildlife & History Trivia
Take our quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with friends to see who knows the most about China's nature reserves and ancient wonders!
Weather & Climate
Weather & Climate
Find out what the typical weather conditions in China in this month by month breakdown of average temperatures and precipitation.
Packing List
Packing List
We’ve made a comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your China adventure.
Travel Stories & Articles
6 Reasons to Celebrate International Red Panda Day
6 Reasons to Celebrate International Red Panda Day
—By Michelle Peters
Why should we celebrate the red panda? What’s being done to protect them? And where might you see one in the wild? Read on for some cool red panda facts, then be sure to mark International Red Panda Day down on your calendar.
Why should we celebrate the red panda? What’s being done to protect them? And where might you see one in the wild? Read on for some cool red panda facts, then be sure to mark International Red Panda Day down on your calendar.
Panda Behavior Explained: Why Pandas Are so Charmingly Weird
Panda Behavior Explained: Why Pandas Are so Charmingly Weird
—By Cathy Brown
There are few creatures on this planet as oddly enchanting as a big, black-and-white, roly-poly panda.
There are few creatures on this planet as oddly enchanting as a big, black-and-white, roly-poly panda.
China’s Other Incredible Wildlife
China’s Other Incredible Wildlife
—By WWF
Dozens of other wildlife species are found in China too, including these 5 that you may spot while on a WWF and Nat Hab China trip!
Dozens of other wildlife species are found in China too, including these 5 that you may spot while on a WWF and Nat Hab China trip!
Are Red Pandas Related to Giant Pandas?
Are Red Pandas Related to Giant Pandas?
—By Megan Brief
Studies of their evolutionary history show that red pandas are an ancient species most closely related to skunks, raccoons and weasels.
Studies of their evolutionary history show that red pandas are an ancient species most closely related to skunks, raccoons and weasels.
Like Us, Pandas Need a Sense of Wanderlust
Like Us, Pandas Need a Sense of Wanderlust
—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
It turns out that wanderlust can be good for others in the animal kingdom, as well. A new study shows that for giant pandas, sometimes home sweet home can be a little too blissful.
It turns out that wanderlust can be good for others in the animal kingdom, as well. A new study shows that for giant pandas, sometimes home sweet home can be a little too blissful.
Traveler Story: Wild China
Traveler Story: Wild China
—By Nat Hab traveler, W. Luther Jett
It is difficult to select a favorite experience from my wild China odyssey—the opportunities to visit multiple panda bases, to see rare species in the wild, to visit historical sites, to interact with Chinese locals, to travel through remote regions of Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces…. how to choose?
It is difficult to select a favorite experience from my wild China odyssey—the opportunities to visit multiple panda bases, to see rare species in the wild, to visit historical sites, to interact with Chinese locals, to travel through remote regions of Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces…. how to choose?
Autumn in the Kingdom of Heaven: Golden Monkeys and Golden Leaves in China
Autumn in the Kingdom of Heaven: Golden Monkeys and Golden Leaves in China
—By Brad Josephs
The color of the changing leaves, the stunning winter coats of the monkeys, and the crisp fall weather makes for magical...
The color of the changing leaves, the stunning winter coats of the monkeys, and the crisp fall weather makes for magical...
The Giant Panda: 6 Incredible Facts about the World’s Cutest Creature
The Giant Panda: 6 Incredible Facts about the World’s Cutest Creature
—By Peter Davis Krahenbuhl
One of the most well known and lovable of all creatures on Earth happens to also be one of the most modest, shy and...
One of the most well known and lovable of all creatures on Earth happens to also be one of the most modest, shy and...
Traveler Story: China Panda Adventure
Traveler Story: China Panda Adventure
—Carrie Wilkie
Eight months after the trip and I’m still reminiscing and telling stories about this amazing experience. This trip has made me a Nat Hab traveler and, hopefully some...
Eight months after the trip and I’m still reminiscing and telling stories about this amazing experience. This trip has made me a Nat Hab traveler and, hopefully some...
The Four Sisters: China’s Mythic Creatures & Wild Landscapes
The Four Sisters: China’s Mythic Creatures & Wild Landscapes
—By Emily Goodheart Kautz
The Minshan Mountains are a veritable fairyland, resplendent with blooming orchids, singing birds, primeval forests...
The Minshan Mountains are a veritable fairyland, resplendent with blooming orchids, singing birds, primeval forests...
Magnificent Moon Bears of the Minshan Mountains
Magnificent Moon Bears of the Minshan Mountains
—By Brad Josephs
On a Nat Hab expedition to southwest China, you may have the chance to spot the magnificent moon bears of the Minshan Mountain range, a hidden, enchanted...
On a Nat Hab expedition to southwest China, you may have the chance to spot the magnificent moon bears of the Minshan Mountain range, a hidden, enchanted...
Golden Monkeys, Scarlet Ibis, Pandas and Conservation Victories in China
Golden Monkeys, Scarlet Ibis, Pandas and Conservation Victories in China
—By Brad Josephs
The conservation story of the giant panda being saved from almost certain extinction is perhaps the greatest display of wildlife conservation...
The conservation story of the giant panda being saved from almost certain extinction is perhaps the greatest display of wildlife conservation...
Know Before You Go
