Within the vast borders of China, a dazzling array of ecosystems and habitats are found-wildlife habitats so diverse as to nearly stagger the imagination. From the world’s loftiest mountain peaks to grass steppes that stretch beyond the horizon, from steaming jungles to wide deserts that fluctuate between searing heat and numbing cold, China’s landscapes inspire awe and curiosity.

Wild China leads the reader across China’s landscapes and through thousands of years of history. Organized geographically, the book starts with a description of the Chinese heartland, then ventures on to cover the Manchurian forests, deserts, and grasslands; the Tibetan Plateau; tropical and temperate forests; limestone hills and caves; and the crowded coasts. The impact of China’s 1.3 billion people on the nation’s landscapes is also explored. The book concludes with a gazetteer and travel tips.