I recently went to China for meetings in Beijing dealing with the global forces of climate change and water scarcity, but I was also determined to see the landscapes that we have prioritized for our work in this vast country. Cities dotted with cranes, a new generation of housing, stadiums, and endless office buildings speak volumes of China's meteoric growth and devotion to economic progress. But just a few miles beyond the cities, one finds oneself on back roads that present a very different face of China.

Moving up the Minshan River Valley into the Tibetan plateau, I joined colleagues from Canada, Switzerland, Greece, Great Britain and China to explore one of the world's greatest landscapes, the Upper Yangtze. At Wanglang Nature Reserve, we stood at 11,000 feet in an old growth forest, with centuries of moss underfoot and cascades of azaleas and lady slippers blooming as far as the eye could see. Another morning, while visiting a forest restoration project linking panda reserves, I followed the haunting call of the golden pheasant and found myself face to face with the luminous male bird shining in the morning mist. Finally, we joined researchers in the forest as they tracked pandas using a wide array of technology and monitoring techniques.

And, to be sure, I will never forget our culinary adventures. From nibbling fried chicken toes, to joining scientists in a Szechuan noodle shop, to haggling over fresh pastries on the street, it was an unforgettable cultural experience.

Astonishing forces are changing China's landscape, its people and its culture. But the magic remains, if you know where to look for it. As a WWF member, you too can witness thenatural wonders of China and many other magical places. Through our travel program, you can get close to spectacular wildlife and see firsthand the projects your donations help support. See the catalog enclosed with this issue of FOCUS to learn about rare opportunities to know conservation work at a profound and personal level.

My trip to China deepened my understanding of the immense challenges and opportunities facing that country. Conditions are ripe for supporting the government in major conservation initiatives, whether it's linking panda reserves, or working with local communities to reduce their pressure on the landscape by finding sustainable alternatives, or exploring better ways to source natural resources from around the globe.

While we work in all of the major capitals of the world, some of our most important projects are in its most remote corners. It's this type of engagement that makes our work and WWF's travel program so unique. I hope you can experience the magic for yourself.