Laoxiancheng Nature ReserveLaoxiancheng Nature Reserve is another of the main centres for giant panda tracking, linked to the Foping Nature Reserve. Giant pandas can wander between the two, giving you a wider area in which to fi nd them. Not only is this region home to the world's highest density of pandas but the rich and diverse range of ecosystems of the Qinling Mountains also ensures the survival of many rare species including golden monkey, takin, crested ibis, golden eagle and clouded leopard.Reserve Hostel Accommodation at Foping and Laoxiancheng is basic with limited heating and bathroom facilities. Hot water will be available (subject to season). Food is local Chinese style with seasonal vegetables. This is a place to lay your head, rather than fancy accommodation! Changqing Nature ReserveChangqing Nature Reserve is a beautiful area of mixed terrain, providing differing habitats in which the giant pandas and other wildlife can live. Wild rivers and lovely waterfalls are interspersed with fl ora and plant life - a nice environment for you to trek in and the pandas to live in. You'll also explore in higher mountains amid high altitude vegetation in the hope of not only spotting giant panda, but golden takin, golden monkey and myriad birdlife. Because the reserve is located next to the rural village of Huayang, you can stay here and explore Chinese local life and culture.Village house Your base will be a local guesthouse, where you will stay in the home of villagers. While this provides more rustic accommodation, it does also give you a unique insight into rural Chinese life and the home-cooking using local ingredients will be great!Shaanxi Crested Ibis Nature ReserveYang County, and the Shaanxi Crested Ibis Nature Reserve, are home to the only wild population of the endangered crested ibis in the world. Since 1981, when seven were discovered, this rare bird has been protected by a dedicated group who research the bird's habitat and behaviour in order to increase numbers and awareness. Its numbers have now increased dramatically. The area itself is mountainous, and dotted with rivers and streams - an eco-system that the ibis thrives in. A unique opportunity to see a fantastic bird and wonderful protection project. Ibis Protection Centre Accommodation is at the reserve. Again it is more basic accommodation but a good base for your explorations.Golden Monkey ReserveThere are three species of golden monkey which all live in the forests or mountains of China: they inhabit the bamboo jungles, coniferous forests and rhododendron thickets found in the high central and western mountains. Golden monkeys are endangered, and protection policies here aren't as advanced as others. This presents a good opportunity to see these most delightful creatures. Accommodation will be in a local lodge.99SUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Xian, via Beijing Day 2 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 2-nights. Visit the amazing Terracotta Warriors (BL), no meals included on day 2) Day 4 Yang Country, Ibis Protection Centre, 1-night. See wild population of crested ibis (BLD) Day 5 Foping Nature Reserve, hostel, 4-nights. Day 9 Golden Monkey Reserve, 3-nights, lodge (BLD) Day 10 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 1-night. Time at leisure (BLD) Day 11 Depart Xian for UK, via Beijing (B)IN PURSUIT OF PANDASWe've designed this itinerary to take in the best of the Qinling Mountain reserves where giant pandas live, thus increasing your chances of sightings.There is a high chance of seeing giant panda at Foping Nature Reserve.You'll also have the opportunity to see other Chinese wildlife such as crested ibis and golden monkey. TAILOR-MADESUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Xian, via Beijing Day 2 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 1-night. Day 3 Huayang, village house, 1-night. Village visit and watch crested ibis roost (BLD) Day 4 Changqing Nature Reserve for giant panda tracking and other wildlife spotting such as golden takin, golden monkey and numerous birds (BLD) Day 6 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 1-night. Time at leisure (BLD) Day 7 Depart Xian for UK, via Beijing (B)Departure dates Daily, mid-March to NovemberCost per person From £2165 (Mar, Nov), £2220 (Apr - Jun, mid Aug - Oct), £2385 (Jul - mid Aug) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, two nights hotel accommodation, three nights guesthouse accommodation, guided activitiesPANDA HIGHLIGHTSThis trip offers an opportunity to track and view giant pandas in their natural habitat. Pandas are excellent at evading human presence, yet land pressure means the threat of extinction. Viewing of wild pandas cannot of course be guaranteed, but you will have the opportunity to experience the wildlife of China fi rst-hand on this shorter itinerary. TAILOR-MADEOr visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.comDeparture dates Daily, mid-March to NovemberCost per person From £3345 (Mar, Nov), £3395 (Apr - Jun, mid Aug - Oct), £3565 (Jul - mid Aug) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights hotel accommodation, one night lodge accommodation and seven nights hostel accommodation, guided activitiesASIA | CHINA

Borneo100Mt. Kinabalu stands like a citadel above the lowlands of northern Borneo. The park, which is easily reached from Kota Kinabalu in about two hour's drive, harbours remarkable botanical diversity, perhaps as many as 6,000 plant species occur on the mountain. These include more than 1,000 species of orchid and more than one third of all the islands' pitcher plants (genus nepenthes). Superlatives aren't restricted to plants; there are over 600 species of butterfl ies and some 320 species of birds. Diversity of species is greatest on the lower slopes, whereas the greatest numbers of endemic species are found high on the mountain.Nepenthes Villas MID Located close to the park headquarters, Nepenthes Villas are a convenient base from which to explore the network of trails leading through the forest on the middle slopes. The villas offer all the comforts you could require and are adjacent to the park restaurant. Borneo has long fed the imagination of naturalists and travellers alike. The diversity of habitats supports a tremendous array of endearing and intriguing species - there are mammals, lizards and snakes, frogs that 'fl y', fi sh that 'walk' on mud, monkeys that 'dive', plants that eat insects and fl owers the size of dustbin lids. Borneo is a centre of biological richness for the Indo-Malayan region and a hot spot of world biodiversity. Ten hectares of rainforest in Borneo can support a greater number of tree species than occur in the whole of North America. The island is home to more bird species than are found in Europe and as many mammals as live on the island continent of Australia. Without question Sabah has some of the richest and most diverse parks and reserves in Borneo, which are easy to access with quality tourist facilities - it's an easy window for those wishing to experience Borneo's natural wonders, and recommended by Wildlife Worldwide.Kinabalu National ParkFrom loveable orang-utans to tiny tree frogs, if you love wildlife you will love Borneo. Ranging from the majestic Mt. Kinabalu to the pristine rainforest of the Danum Valley, it is a place I will never forget. Chris Osborn, senior travel consultant and Borneo expertTalk to an expert 0845 130 6982