China wildlife Tour

Destinations: Wuyi Mountains (Fujian) & Tianmu Mountains (Zhejiang), China
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Activity Level: Moderate (Professional & Family Friendly)
Focus: Entomology (Beetles/Moths), Herpetofauna, Nature Photography, Forest Ecology

Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to two of China’s most revered entomological sanctuaries. This unique cross-border journey connects the low-altitude subtropical rainforests of Wuyi Shan (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with the ancient, mist-shrouded hardwood forests of Tianmu Shan.

Over seven days, we will traverse vertical elevational gradients to witness the dramatic shift in biodiversity. From the legendary Cheirotonus jansoni (Wuyi’s jewel) and the majestic Odontolabis sinensis (Tianmu’s king), to rare amphibians like the Chinese Giant Salamander’s miniature cousin, the *Hynobius amjiensis*. This is more than a bug hunt; it is a masterclass in biogeography, set against the backdrop of China’s most spectacular landscapes.

Highlights

· The Quest for “Living Fossils”: Target two of China’s most spectacular beetles: the Wuyi Five-horned Beetle (*Cheirotonus jansoni*), a Class II protected species, and the Stag Beetle (*Odontolabis sinensis*), known for its imposing mandibles.

· Dual Biome Exploration: Experience the contrast between the humid, canyon-filled Danxia landscape of Wuyi and the gnarled, ancient Cryptomeria (cedar) forests of Tianmu. Observe how elevation and geology shape insect communities.

· Professional Field Techniques: Learn from experts using Mercury Vapor Light Traps (for moths and beetles) and Baiting Traps (for Lucanidae). A dedicated macro photography workshop will help you capture the metallic sheen of these giants.

· Cross-Taxa Discovery: Beyond insects, we will track unique herpetofauna: the Wuyi Torrent Frog and the critically endangered Amji Salamander (*Hynobiidae*), found only in Tianmu’s high-altitude pools.

Note on Rhythm

· Dawn/Day: Birdwatching, hiking vertical transects, and stream dipping.

· Dusk/Night: The “Golden Hour” for entomologists. Light trapping and night walks.

· Transit: A comfortable high-speed train connects the two mountains (approx. 1.5 hours).

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & The Gateway to the Tongmuguan Reserve

Meet your private guide and driver at Wuyishan airport of Railway Station. Then we transfer to Tongmuguan, the core buffer zone of the UNESCO reserve and the birthplace of Black Tea.

Late afternoon Stream Survey: A gentle introduction to the ecosystem. Dip-net in the crystal-clear streams to find aquatic insect larvae and observe Jewel Damselflies (Calopterygidae).

First Night Walk: An acclimatization walk to spot nocturnal spiders, toads, and introduce the sounds of the forest.

 Overnight: Tongmuguan/Dazhulan Eco-Lodge.

Day 2: Dazhulan – The Sacred Ground of Beetles

Morning: Insect Sanctuary Hike: Enter Dazhulan, historically known as the “Cradle of Chinese Entomology.” Walk trails where new species are still being described. Look for day-flying Swallowtail Butterflies and stick insects.

Afternoon: Baiting Workshop: Learn to mix and apply “magic tree juice” (fermented fruit/banana mix) to tree trunks to attract Lucanidae (Stag Beetles).

Night: High-Powered Light Trap: We set up a 400W mercury vapor sheet. Target: Cheirotonus jansoni (Five-horned Beetle), Giant Stag Beetles, and massive Longhorn beetles. Expert ID session on-site.

Overnight: Tongmuguan/Dazhulan Eco-Lodge.

Day 3: Guadun & Vertical Migration

Morning: Guadun Expedition: Visit the historic Guadun missionary station. Focus on Wuyi endemics like the Wuyi Thick-legged Leaf Beetle and observe White-headed Langurs (primates) sharing the habitat.

Afternoon: Transfer via High-Speed Train to Lin’an (Zhejiang). Ascend to the base of Tianmu Mountain.

Night: Comparative Night Walk: Notice the immediate change in species composition as we enter a different geological zone.

Overnight: Tianmu Mountain Guesthouse.

Day 4: The Kingdom of Giant Trees – The Sky High Beetles

Morning: Old Growth Forest: Ascend via shuttle bus to the Kaishan Lao Dian (Old Temple). Here stands the world’s largest *Cryptomeria* (Japanese Cedar) forest. We search the bark of 1,000-year-old trees for the magnificent Odontolabis sinensis and Tianmu Stag Beetles (*Dorcus titanus* ssp.).

Afternoon: Log Rolling: Carefully turn over decaying logs in the high-altitude mist forest to find Ground Beetles (*Carabus* spp.) and Rove Beetles.

Night: High-Altitude Light Trap: The cool mountain air attracts distinct moth species, including huge Saturniidae (Emperor Moths).

Overnight: Kaishan Lao Dian Hotel (amidst the clouds) or lower elevation guesthouse.

Day 5: The Salamander Lake & Macro Artistry

Morning: The Living Fossil: Visit specific high-altitude ponds to search for the Amji Salamander (*Hynobius amjiensis*), a “living fossil” endemic to Tianmu Mountain. Observe its delicate aquatic larval stage.

Afternoon: Macro Photography Workshop: A dedicated session. Learn flash techniques to capture the iridescent elytra of Ground Beetles and the structural details of Stag Beetle mandibles.

Night: Final Night Trap:  One last comprehensive light trap session to record any missed species.

Overnight: Lin’an City Hotel (comfortable base).

Day 6: Lowland Comparison & Cultural Farewell

Morning: Chan Yuan Temple Walk: Explore the lower elevation trails near the temple. Compare the butterfly and dragonfly species here with those seen at the summit. Target: Hairstreaks and Map Butterflies.

Afternoon: Entomology Debrief: A review of the “Field Guide” we have collectively built. Discussion on conservation challenges for these island-like habitats.

Evening: Farewell Dinner:  Certificate ceremony: “Keeper of the Twin Sanctuaries.”

Overnight: Lin’an City Hotel.

Day 7: Departure from Hangzhou

After enjoy our leisurely breakfast we transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) or Hangzhou East Station for departure.