First Encounter with Beibu Gulf

Itinerary:

【Morning】: Gather at the airport, then take a bus to Chongzuo

【Afternoon】: Track the nationally protected first-class species, the white-headed langur. Learn about their population distribution, habits, and conduct野外 scientific observations.

The white-headed langur is a species endemic to China. In recent decades, due to habitat destruction, hunting, and human-induced population isolation, it has become critically endangered. It is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (version 3.1, 2012). Thanks to years of conservation efforts at the Chongzuo Bansli White-headed Langur Nature Reserve, nearly half of the world's white-headed langur population now thrives in this habitat, which offers lush vegetation, fewer natural predators, and a mild climate. Led by experts, you will systematically learn about the white-headed langur and have a high chance of observing active groups up close in their natural habitat.

【Evening】: Orientation Meeting & Welcome Dinner

Transport : NN Mid Van (0.5 hour)

Accommodation : tianjiao (or similar)

Meal : (On Own); Supper (Welcome Dinner)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Introduction to China's Cetaceans

【Morning】: Depart for Sanniang Bay in Qinzhou. During the journey, learn about the classification of Chinese cetaceans and gain insights into Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.

【Afternoon】: Dolphin Society — Set sail to search for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and conduct behavioral monitoring.

This area offers the best chance to encounter Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in China. On a clear day, head out to sea with our guide, and you may come across these charming creatures. With luck, you might even witness them leaping out of the water.

Like humans, cetaceans are highly social animals. Some dolphin species, including humpback dolphins, exhibit sustained cultural forms within their societies. We will observe and record the structure and social behaviors of dolphin societies, seeking to explore and understand their social culture. This experience might just change the way you think about dolphins and whales.

Target Mammals: Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin

Transport : NN Mid Van (1.5-2 hours)

Accommodation : Beihai (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast

- Reference Hotel Pictures

In Search of Whale Territories

【Morning】: Take a ferry to Weizhou Island.

【Afternoon】: Living Alongside Whales — A Seashell Natural History Class  
Walking along the beaches of Weizhou Island, few can resist the allure of seashells. Within a 100-meter stretch of coastline, you can discover over 30 species of shells in just half an hour. The biodiversity of Weizhou Island carpets its beaches, making it an open-air museum. The shells of deceased mollusks create a beautiful scene on the beach, but what survival stories did they enact when they were alive? Grab a shell recording sheet, and join us in beachcombing to document the shell diversity of Weizhou Island and continue writing the story of its seashells.

【Evening】: Exploring the Seafood Market — A Serious Pursuit: Island Fishery Survey  
To understand the state of fishery resources around Weizhou Island, the local market is perhaps the perfect window—hence, exploring the seafood market is a serious endeavor. We will step into the seafood market to experience the life of Weizhou Islanders, who live off the sea.

Transport : NN Mid Van (0.5-1 hour), SAILING SHIP (1.5-2 hours), tourist coach (0.5-1 hour)

Accommodation : Weizhou Island Changyun Seaview Hotel (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Weizhou Island Changyun Seaview Hotel is located in the Nanwan style resort area of Weizhou Island, on the top of the cliff of Nanwan Port on the island, and has always been regarded as a landmark building on Weizhou Island. From the hotel, it takes about 2 minutes to walk to the red scenic spot of Weizhou Island; Ride east for about 10 minutes to see the sunrise at Colorful Beach; Ride west for about 10 minutes to the crocodile mountain national geopark scenic spot, Dishui Danping, Shiluokou beach; Ride north for about 15 minutes to reach the Centennial Church; About a 10-minute walk south will take you to the South Bay Street Wet Market.

Whale Dreams of Beihai

【Morning】: Lecture on Marine Mammals

【Afternoon】: Whale Discovery Course — Set sail to search for and observe Bryde's whales

What mysterious and fascinating behaviors do Bryde's whales exhibit? What is their social structure like? How do scientists study Bryde's whales? What should be kept in mind when whale watching?... Board the whale-watching vessel and enter the homeland of giants to uncover the secrets of Weizhou Island's marine behemoths.

【Evening】: Whispers of Life in the Intertidal Zone — Intertidal Organism Observation

Exploring the intertidal zone offers a perfect opportunity to experience the奇妙 ecology where ocean and land meet. Here, amidst the ebb and flow of the tides, you can discover a wealth of marine life and feel the magic of nature. Whether searching for colorful shells or observing the behaviors of creatures like crabs and snails, you'll fully appreciate the unique landscape and biodiversity of the intertidal zone.

*This session will be adjusted according to the actual tidal times.*

Target Mammals: Eden's whale

Accommodation : Weizhou Island Changyun Seaview Hotel (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Supper (Feature Dinner)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Weizhou Island Changyun Seaview Hotel is located in the Nanwan style resort area of Weizhou Island, on the top of the cliff of Nanwan Port on the island, and has always been regarded as a landmark building on Weizhou Island. From the hotel, it takes about 2 minutes to walk to the red scenic spot of Weizhou Island; Ride east for about 10 minutes to see the sunrise at Colorful Beach; Ride west for about 10 minutes to the crocodile mountain national geopark scenic spot, Dishui Danping, Shiluokou beach; Ride north for about 15 minutes to reach the Centennial Church; About a 10-minute walk south will take you to the South Bay Street Wet Market.

Transport : SAILING SHIP (0.5 hour)

Meal : Breakfast