Hunting with Hawks in China
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Tour Duration: 14 - 21 day(s)
Group Size: 2 - 8 people
Specialty Categories: Hunting
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Inspired by a recent visit to an American falconer in California, I designed this tour for those who are interested in falconry and its history. For the falconer beginners, this will be a educational tour.
The early records indicate that raptors were being used by humans to hunt in ancient China dating back to 2205BC, of which refer to falcons as royal gifts in the Shang dynasty in China.
Representatively, we will have chances to hunt with three groups of people in China in different regions. They have been using different hawks and different techniques in the development of falconry.
* You will firstly encounter with Han Chinese in south China on the coast who are good at Sparrow Hawk, also Goshawk and Peregrine. This region is regarded as the home of South School of falconry in China. After rice field is harvested in October, this country becomes the ideal hunting ground till March because this area is the winter habitat for migrant birds from the north. Even year around, the local people hunt with Besra Sparrow Hawk in the water pounds and lakes.
* Lijiang located in southwest China is the home to ethnic Naxi people. It is said the local people learned falconry from Kubilaikhan's army in 13th century. People here are still practicing falconry in ancient ways which can be regarded as a kind of North School of falconry in China. Now Lijiang is also the most popular touristy place in China. Their hunting season is also from September to March, Goshawk will be used for hunting rabbits and pheasants.
* Golden eagle is the ultimate dream for all falconers, and we won't let you miss it. Akqi located in the far northwest of China is the cradle of the Turkic-speaking Kirghiz falconers. The local falconers will congregate during the local festival in August, and in December for a falconry competition before their hunting season begins right after the first snow of the year until March.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Home/Hongkong
Day 2: Hongkong/Mainland China
Days 3-4: South School of Falconry
Days 5-6: Travel to Lijiang
Days 7-8: Hawking in Lijiang
Day 9: Sightseeing in Lijiang
Days 10-11: travel to Akqi
Days 12-13: Hunting with Golden Eagle
Days 14-15: Fly back home via Beijing of Shanghai
The best season to come is August, Oct - March.
Please contact us for more information.
