Nan Kun Shan Expedition

Field Observation of Amphibians & Reptiles in Southern China’s Early Rainy Season

Join us for a 5-day, 4-night small-group expedition into the subtropical mountain forests of Nan Kun Shan, one of southern China’s premier destinations for herpetofauna. Led by professional herpetologist Dr. Kevin Messenger, this trip combines rigorous field observation with a genuine scientific perspective — day and night, across streams, forest trails, and mountain roads.

Dates: 1-5 May 2026; 3-7 July 2026; additional dates can be arranged through private tours
Departure: Guangzhou (Baiyun Airport or Guangzhou South Railway Station)
Group size: 6–8 participants (except for private tours)

About the Region

Nan Kun Shan preserves a classic subtropical montane forest ecosystem typical of South China. Its rich network of streams, wetlands, and forested ridges supports approximately 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, making it an ideal destination for animal observation.

Your Guide: Dr. Kevin Messenger

Kevin Messenger is a Professor of Zoology at the College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, and a wildlife monitoring specialist for Shennongjia National Park. He holds a PhD in Zoology, a second PhD in Plant, Animal, and Soil Science, a Master’s in Biology, and a Bachelor’s in Zoology. His research covers behavior, taxonomy, ecology, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. He has discovered and co-described multiple new species in China, including representative groups from Wuyi Mountain National Park, and has published extensively in international academic journals, as well as published two books on Chinese snakes.

Beyond research, Kevin is actively involved in public science communication and cross-cultural outreach. He has contributed to books on Chinese snakes, presented at international forums, and participated in natural history documentaries and media projects. On this trip, he will guide participants through the forest and streams with the eye of a field researcher — reading the environment, interpreting animal behavior, and making sense of what you find.

You will be staying at the wild and remote Nankun Gaoshan Forest Resort (南昆高山森林度假村). This is an old hunting lodge from the 1930s that has been turned into a modern day resort lodge. This lodge not only allows for a comfortable stay but also has an extensive forest and trail system behind the lodge. Across the street from the lodge is a local restaurant (if there are any dietary restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible so we can try to plan for it).

Target Species
Snakes

Southern China’s mountains are among the most snake-diverse regions in the country. Possible encounters include:

Frogs & Amphibians

Early summer is peak breeding season for South China’s frogs. Nights along the streams and mountain paths will be full of calls. Likely groups include:

Other Wildlife

The area is also excellent for lizards, freshwater turtles, birds, and insects. Nan Kun Shan is a recognized birding destination — birders in the group will find plenty to occupy the daytime hours. Additionally, every night we will also run a light trap for insects. If anyone doesn’t want to go on the suggested walk for the evening, they can simply stay at the lodge and photograph insects.

Note: This is a wild nature observation activity. Specific species cannot be guaranteed, but our team will make every effort to find, observe, and document as much as possible.

Safety

The official guidelines: No one should catch any venomous species with their bare hands (aka, “free handling”). These trips have a mixture of experts and people that are new to the field. If someone is well versed in herpetology, you can discuss with Kevin your level of expertise and comfort level in maneuvering a venomous snake with equipment, but under no situation do we want to see anyone holding a venomous snake with their hands. Anyone found free handling will be black-listed from joining future trips. Never touch any animal that you’re unfamiliar with, whether that be a snake, insect, arachnid, frog, or flying spaghetti monster.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Night Survey

Arrive at the mountain lodge by 4:00–5:00 PM, get settled in to your various rooms. At 6:15, we’ll meet in the lobby of the main lodge and walk over to the local restaurant at 6:30pm. Very good local food, and a chance to meet your fellow participants. At dinner Kevin will talk about the plan for the day and the next morning. After dinner, everyone will have about 15-20 mins to gather their equipment for the night (rain gear, bug spray, cameras, and flashlights). we drive to the observation site and walk a loop road (approx. 4 km) in search of frogs, snakes, and insects. The route is mostly flat with one steeper section; a vehicle accompanies the group throughout.

Day 2: Day Hike & Night Forest Walk

After breakfast, choose one of two morning options:

• Option A: Forest trail behind the lodge (approx. 2 km) — good for turtles, diurnal snakes, some frogs, and birds
• Option B: Repeat the road route from the previous night — the same path looks and yields completely different things by day

Lunch at the lodge, followed by a relaxed afternoon for rest or photography. Evening dinner, then a night walk along the forest trail behind the lodge.

Day 3: Swap Options & Rhabdophis Site

Morning: whichever option you didn’t do on Day 2. After lunch, we drive approximately 20–30 minutes west of the lodge to a dedicated site for Rhabdophis guangdongensis (Guangdong keelback) — a day hike with a focus on this locally notable species. Bring plenty of water. In the evening, we return for dinner and a night survey of the same area.

Day 4: Photography & Dam Walk

Morning photography session. Lunch, then an afternoon hike in the lodge area or along the loop road (decided by the group). After dinner, a night walk along the dam trail — a different environment offering different species.

Day 5: Departure

Breakfast at the lodge, group debrief, and a final group photo. We will pack up the vehicles and take everyone who wishes to head back to either Guangzhou Baiyun airport or Guangzhou South Railway. Of course anyone who wishes to stay may do so at their own leisure and arrangements.

Pricing

Tour Price (All-Inclusive)

• Standard price: RMB 6,980 per person (subject to seasonal changes based on holidays, group size, etc)

What’s Included

• 4 nights accommodation (twin-share standard rooms at the mountain lodge; rooms may be limited, guests will be asked to share if possible)
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 5
• All ground transportation during the trip (day hikes, night surveys, inter-site transfers, tolls, fuel)
• Full guiding by Kevin Messenger (field observation and interpretation)
• Bilingual trip coordination throughout
• Basic accident insurance and shared emergency supplies

What’s Not Included

• Travel to/from Guangzhou (flights, trains, etc.)
• Single room supplement: RMB 100/person/night (RMB 400 total for 4 nights)
• Personal expenses: alcoholic drinks, extra meals, shopping
• Any costs arising from delayed/missed transportation, weather, or personal health
• Medical costs for personal health issues

Getting There

We meet at one of two Guangzhou collection points:

• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Guangzhou South Railway Station

Arrive by 1:30 PM. The group departs together at 2:00 PM sharp by chartered vehicle for Nan Kun Shan National Forest Park (approx. 1.5–2 hours). The vehicle will not wait for late arrivals — if you miss the group departure, you will need to make your own way to the lodge at your own cost. Please plan your travel with a comfortable buffer.

Registration & Booking Policy

Payment confirms your spot. The trip runs with a minimum of 6 participants and a maximum of 8. Please only register if you can commit to the full itinerary.

Cancellation & Rescheduling

• 7+ days before departure: full refund or free transfer to a future equivalent trip
• Within 7 days of departure: no refund, but you may transfer your place to the next available trip
• After the trip has started: no refund for early departure due to personal reasons

Conservation Code of Conduct

• Leave No Trace: pack out all waste
• Observation and photography only — no collecting, handling without guidance, or disturbance of habitat
• Follow guide instructions for light use at night to minimize animal stress
• Respect local laws, regulations, and community

Participation Requirements

• Age 18+
• Able to handle moderate outdoor activity in mountain terrain
• Comfortable with night hiking
• An interest in nature, wildlife, or the outdoors — no prior herping experience required

About the Organizer

To Register or Enquire

For booking and further details, please use the contact form below or reach out via the Contact page.

Registration deadline: April 25, 2026, or when the group is full.

Your Guide: Dr. Kevin Messenger