The trip to Xishuangbanna was largely to take a look at the Chinese management of this area. It is a very green part of China, and the tropical forests are a welcome sight. The large mammals in the region include Asian elephants and tigers. Sadly we didn't see any such examples of these creatures in the tight schedule we had.

Nonetheless, there were some elephants in a recovery centre that we were able to visit. We also got the chance to see some of the local reptile life.

The elephants here had been recaptured off drug smugglers, who were using them to move drugs across the border into China. Elephants have the advantage of not using roads a lot, and not generally being bothered for passports and identity cards.

Melancholic Elephant


Lizard


Big Lizard!