Finding Magic in Madagascar

Madagascar's rich biodiversity and unique landscape, such as its clean water, lemurs, baobab trees and limestone formations with magnificent rocky spires, appeal to Chinese tourists.[Photo provided to China Daily]

A growing number of Chinese tourists are enjoying a unique natural world far away from big-city life, Xu Lin reports.  

Several Chinese celebrities are moving quietly in the forest. They whistle, with peeled bananas in hand, until suddenly a cute lemur appears from a tree and grabs a banana for a bite. More lemurs approach, eager for their snacks.

The scene is Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar. It's a part of the ongoing reality show Our Laws produced by Anhui Satellite TV, featuring the adventures of seven Chinese celebrities, including Nicholas Wu and Li Yapeng, in Madagascar and Ecuador.

The recent episodes showcased Madagascar's rich biodiversity and unique landscape, which appeal to Chinese tourists. They can get a visa on arrival in the country.

"Many tourists want to see Madagascar's flora and fauna, about 90 percent of which can't be found elsewhere in the world," says Lan Piaoxue, sales manager for China at the travel agency Madagascar Decouverte.

About 10,000 Chinese visited the country last year, and more than 4,000 are travelers, according to Lan.

She says the reality show vividly displays Madagascar's unique attractions. The agency offers the show's itineraries and some are suitable for parents traveling with children during the summer vocation. Local flora and fauna experts are on hand to share their insights, and visitors can also experience island life, such as watching whales.

"When you set up your camp in the forest and watch the stars in the sky, you forget all your tiredness from hiking and immerse yourself into the precious scenery. It's a land of idyllic beauty: You live on the mountains and listen to the murmur of the running water and wind," says Liu Yun, 50, an office worker from Beijing. She and her friends hiked for three days in Andringitra National Park and finally reached the mountain peak.

Last year, Liu traveled to the Madagascar for 14 days and visited five well-known national parks. Public transport is not so convenient, so she rented a car, hired a driver, and asked a local agency to design part of her itinerary.