Related stories

'MINORITY' CUISINES THE LURE AROUND ROMANTIC SHICHAHAI 'Red' Tours Retrace Steps of Long March Criteria Set for Banks to Select Overseas Investors The Lure of Seoul PSB Handles Pre-holiday Rush for Overseas Travel

Shanxi Hunting Tours Lure Overseas Enthusiasts

inter is when professional hunters and those who get their wildlife kicks simply from tracking animals come into their own. And for them, there is no better place in China to do their thing than the vast, wild ranges of northern Shanxi Province � an area whose spectacular hunting terrain is now luring marksmen and trackers from overseas, even though their targets are largely limited to waterfowl and rabbits.

While wildlife conservationists argue that hunting should not be encouraged, Shanxi's local government is insistent that the area is less and less able to sustain its rapidly increasing animal population, various species of which feed on farmers� household fruit and vegetables as well as commercial crops. The hunters are allowed to shoot about 20 species, none of which qualify as Big Game, or are endangered species.

Whatever the arguments, Beijing Joy Holiday Company, founded by hunting enthusiasts, is now arranging Shanxi trips for foreigners unable to plan their own hunting itineraries because they lack knowledge of the mountains and how to reach them. The company is aided by the Shanxi authority, which provides local guides, weapons, ammunition and other facilities.

The all-in cost of the four-day hunting trip is US$420, which includes transportation (minibus and Jeep), a standard room, meals, local hunting guns, 50 bullets, insurance and an interpreter.