Overall, the best time to visit China is either in the Spring or early Fall. My choice would be early Fall. Pandas are usually born June-August, so you'll have the best chance to see some babies. The weather in the southern provinces won't be too humid and hot.
In Longsheng, farmers will be harvesting the rice at that time, so in addition to lush hillsides, you'll also see a plethora of local people and water buffalo. I landed in Longsheng right after the harvest just as farmers started to ready the terraces for winter. The villages of Ping'an and Longi have a long history of farming this land, some families have worked here for hundreds of years. Ping'an village is the main touristed site with a catacomb of winding stairways and small shops. I made my way through the village streets and settled into the Ping'an Hotel, where my balcony overlooked the village below. This landscape is stunning and one of my most favorite in all of China. A short walk up Seven Stars Viewpoint allows you to see the terraces spread out beneath you like a scene out of a fictional tale. By the end of my hiking among the terraces, my heart swelled and my eyes could take in no more beauty. Be sure to explore the neighboring village (and less busy) of Longi. End the night with dinner at Ping'an and be sure to order the local dish of small fish.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.