Turtle Conservation in Huidong, China

If you have a passion for the enviornment or would love to learn more about what we can be doing to save these precious animals, then this project is a great fit for you. For anyone who loves animals and being outdoors, close to the ocean, you will love this project!

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion 

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX). You must arrive between 09:00 to 20:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup time, you can book an extra night or private transfer for an additional fee.

On the Monday of your first week, you will participate in an orientation session to help you familiarize yourself with the surroundings and local culture. Your program will commence as usual from Tuesday onward.

Schedule

• Welcome meeting: House rules, setting expectations, health and safety guidelines, and document handling.
• Cultural briefing: Chinese do’s and don’ts.
• Local area tour: Explore the compound and surrounding area, locate nearby shops, and arrange a SIM card if needed.
• Lunch break.
• Project introduction: Visit the project site, receive an overview, and begin participation.

Sunday

• Arrival and Pick up from the Shengzhen airport
• Check in to the accommodation

Monday

• Take a high-speed railway from Shenzhen to Huizhou City （about 30 mins）. From railway station to Huidong turtle reserve accommodation(about 50 mins).
• Here you’ll receive an introduction about the work assignment.
• Evening: Ice-breaker and team activities.

Tuesday

• Morning: Pre-job training and Watch documentary films about Sea Turtle.
• Afternoon: Take a walking tour of the sea turtle reserve, and observe different species and their living habit.
• Evening: Sharing time – My first day with Turtles.

Wednesday

• Morning: Working with the Sea Turtle keeper to do some cleaning or feeding etc.
• Afternoon: Beach cleaning
• Evening: Sea Turtle knowledge quiz game

Thursday

• Morning: Working with Sea Turtle keeper to do some cleaning or feeding etc.
• Afternoon: Design a turtle conservation poster.
• Self-care dinner: Visit the night market.

Friday

• Morning: Working with Sea Turtle keeper to do some cleaning or feeding etc.
• Afternoon: Sightseeing on a speedboat.
• Final dinner: BBQ Time

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Things to Do in Huidong

• Xunliao Bay
  A popular coastal area with clear waters and sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, jet skiing, seafood dining, and relaxing in beachfront resorts.
• Huizhou West Lake
  A tranquil park featuring traditional bridges, pagodas, and walking paths around scenic lakes, ideal for leisurely strolls and photography.
• Pinghai Ancient City
  A historic walled town with stone gates, old temples, and traditional architecture offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
• Double-Moon Bay
  A unique beach area with two crescent-shaped shorelines facing each other, known for its natural beauty and panoramic viewpoints.
• Tianhou Temple
  A peaceful seaside temple offering cultural insight and scenic views of the ocean, dedicated to the sea goddess.
• Daya Bay Nuclear Power Science Museum
  An interactive and educational museum focused on nuclear energy, environmental science, and sustainability.
• Hot Spring Resorts
  Several resorts in the region feature natural hot springs and mountain views, offering a relaxing spa experience.

Further Afield:

1. The Great Wall of China – A must-see when visiting China, this ancient wonder stretches over 13,000 miles and offers breathtaking views and historical insights, best explored near Beijing.
2. Terracotta Army in Xi’an – An awe-inspiring archaeological site featuring thousands of life-sized statues guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.
3. Guilin and Yangshuo – Famous for their karst limestone mountains and winding rivers, this region is perfect for boat cruises, bike rides, and rural village visits.
4. Chengdu’s Giant Pandas – Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these iconic animals up close in a naturalistic setting.
5. Shanghai and Beijing City Tours – Experience the modern and ancient sides of China in these two bustling cities, with highlights like the Bund, the Forbidden City, and local food streets.

Additional Requirements

To ensure a meaningful, enjoyable, and safe experience for all participants, local staff, and everyone involved, the following requirements must be met:

• Participants over 65 years old must provide a medical clearance certificate as proof of physical fitness, as the program involves various physical activities.
• Participants under 18 years old must submit a signed parental consent form. If possible, they should be accompanied by an adult for supervision.
• Physical fitness is essential due to the active nature of the program, which includes outdoor activities under the sun.
• Time management and self-organization skills are necessary, along with a strong willingness to take on new challenges and learn.
• Ability to handle physically demanding conditions, such as long walks, hot weather, and exposure to insects.
• Adaptability and respect for diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Flexibility, thoughtfulness, and cultural sensitivity are key when working with people from different cultures.

Additional Equipment

Packing List

Clothing

• Comfortable shoes and clothes for easy movement
• Mandatory: A pair of water boots or portable waterproof shoe covers (above the ankle)
• Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot weather
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and a windproof rain jacket (depending on the season)
• A fleece sweater for cooler evenings
• Toiletries & Health
• Personal toiletries: basic soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and towels
• Hand sanitizer and face masks (if required)
• First-aid kit: medications for common ailments (headaches, stomach aches), rehydration tablets, sunscreen, and insect repellent

Important: Sunscreen, lotions, and mosquito repellents are not allowed while working directly with turtles

Documents

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Flight details, insurance, travel vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates (with photocopies)

Essentials & Miscellaneous

• Refillable water bottle or hydration pack for outdoor activities
• Money belt and bag locks for security
• Day pack and small travel towel
• Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)

Since the turtle conservation season coincides with the rainy season, expect warm and humid weather. Staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun is essential, especially on long, physically demanding days.

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: CN – Holidays – All Programs

China is officially known as the People’s Republic of China and is governed by a centralized one-party system. Its capital is Beijing, while other major cities include Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. The economy is the second-largest in the world and incredibly diverse, ranging from high-tech industries and manufacturing to agriculture and traditional crafts. Despite rapid urban development, large parts of the country remain rural and offer insight into traditional Chinese lifestyles.

Mandarin Chinese is the official language, though dozens of other dialects and minority languages are spoken across the country. Religion in China is varied, including Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and traditional folk beliefs, although religious practice is often closely monitored. Public transport is generally efficient, especially in major cities, and high-speed trains connect many regions. While China has embraced modern technology, customs such as Confucian respect for elders and community still play an important role in daily life.

China’s climate is incredibly varied due to its size. The north experiences cold, dry winters and hot summers, while the south is typically more humid and subtropical. The central regions see four distinct seasons. Hainan, located in the far south, has a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and sun seekers. Typhoon season usually runs from June to September.

Chinese culture is steeped in tradition, with deep respect for family, education, and social harmony. Festivals such as Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival are widely celebrated and often centre around family gatherings, food, and honouring ancestors. Calligraphy, martial arts, opera, and traditional Chinese medicine are just a few cultural elements still practiced today. While modernization has introduced Western influences, many traditions are still passed down through generations.

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