In this year of the snake, we are happy to announce a new weekend getaway here at Wuyuan Skywells:
– herping
– cocktails
– ancient Chinese house
So far as we know its a new combination, but one that we are happy to lead. What do they all mean?
HERPING
A group of snake enthusiasts meet up, head out at sunset and look for snakes. We will be lead by Professor Kevin Messenger (USA), head of the herpetology lab at Nanjing Foresetry University. This is a really cool, but niche hobby in many parts of the world, and Kevin is a leading proponent in the Chinese herping world. It naturally combines with hiking and adventure, and It frequently ends in beers.
COCKTAILS
We take this serious at Wuyuan Skywells. Ed, the owner spent his youth working in bars and grew frustrated at the experience in China of a nice drinks list where every item was unavailable today. Our bar in Skywells is built from a 300 year old maple beam we repurposed from the house and is the natural companion of good times. We’ll have a BBQ to warm up and get some early beers in first.
ANCIENT CHINESE HOUSE
Wuyuan Skywells is a 300 year old tea merchants courtyard home in Wuyuan, Jiangxi. It was restored to its former glory by Ed and Selina, a UK / Chinese couple who raised their children there. We believe in soft beds, hard drinks and relaxing by the fire.
Where?
Wuyuan Skywells, Sixi Yancun Scenic Area, Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, China
How to get there?
Direct 3 hour train from Shanghai Hongqiao. 20 minute cab at the other end.
How to book?
Contact Selina on wechat: selina_m_liao for best prices. Email: [email protected]. Call: 13611946697
How much does it cost?
800 RMB / person. This includes station pick up and drop off, scenic area ticket fee, Saturday lunch cooked over a fire in villagers house, introduction to herping from Prof Kevin Messenger, BBQ party Saturday night with beer/wine/soft drinks, Herping adventure, 1st cocktail at the bar.
Doesn’t include: Room fee, Meals on Friday/ Sunday, Extra drinks & 2nd, 3rd, 4th cocktails at the bar….
Who is it for?
Anyone who likes hiking, adventure and thinks snakes are cool.
This is not a great kids activity. It involves hiking and dangerous animals. However well behaved children are welcome to stay in the hotel with our ayis while we go on our snake adventure for a fee (200/child) . The 2nd weekend of May this activity is adult only.
When?
2 x weekends available May 16 & May 30
We suggest you come on Friday night and leave on sunday. Our schedule begins Saturday 11am and ends Saturday 11pm.
This is the beginning of the rainy season – its a bit damp and miserable then, without much to do. But snakes love it! (it brings the frogs, their dinner, out).
Is it safe?
Yes! But, every adventure has an element of risk. You’ll be guided by a top expert. Should the worst happen, the local hospital has the necessary antivenins.
Snakes… really?
Yes really! They’re really cool! Southern China is one of the great snake hotspots of the world, including cobras, kraits, vipers and more. Their danger and mythos is overstated. You must respect them, and listen to professor kevin at all times. But they are not out to get you and it is ridiculous that we all live in China and don’t have more interaction with and understanding of them.
Professor Kevin Messenger
“come explore the forest with us. you might get muddy, wet, scratched up, possibly bitten, and hopefully a bit tipsy by the end of the night [in celebration of a good evening] – but regardless, chances are you’ll learn something !”
There is a small, but thriving herping community in China who regularly go out looking for snakes. You can read more about Kevin’s exploits here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinaherper/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@chinaherper