Mangroves near Shenzhen, Futian Mangroves Nature Reserve.
Most people think of Guangdong as a hub of industry and megacities: Guangzhou and Shenzhen stretch as far as the eye can see, home to more than 126 million people. Yet, tucked between mountains, river deltas, and coastlines, this province is astonishingly rich in wildlife. China’s Wild Guangdong, BBC Earth’s newest three-part documentary series, reveals this hidden world, blending natural splendour with the human stories that sustain it.
For series producer Simon Winchcombe, the series’ uniqueness lies in its focus on people as much as animals. “Animals are extraordinary, of course—but understanding why people care, what motivates them, and how much passion they bring to protecting nature is what truly brings these stories to life,” he explains.
Series Producer, Simon Winchcombe.
“You don’t just look at the animals and think, ‘Wow, they’re amazing.’ You see that people genuinely care about them. That sense of stewardship makes these species feel worth protecting—because they’re part of Guangdong’s identity.”
From the giant salamanders of the Shimentai Mountains to black-faced spoonbills along the Shenzhen shoreline, the series highlights species often overlooked in mainstream nature documentaries. Yet Winchcombe stresses that filming wildlife is never simple.
“People I can organise. Animals though do what they want. There were moments when we didn’t know if key species would appear at all—the spoonbills, the salamanders, even the dolphins. When they finally showed up, it was pure relief.”
Real To Reel
Cave gecko, Shimentai National Nature Reserve.
Filming took place over an entire year to capture seasonal changes. Orchids blooming, migratory birds arriving, forests awakening—all demanded patience, planning, and perfect timing. For Tan Shizhen, executive producer at Guangdong Radio & Television (GRT), the series represents a milestone in Chinese documentary-making.
“I’ve been making documentaries for over 15 years, mostly about history, science and culture. But nature filmmaking is completely different. This time, we were recording living things—capturing precious moments that can never be repeated.”
Green turtle
Tan notes that Guangdong’s charm comes not from sheer biodiversity—provinces like Tibet may have more species—but from the delicate balance humans have forged with nature. Coastal wetlands, coral restoration projects, and conservation programmes demonstrate how wildlife and human activity coexist.
“This documentary is not only about animals in untouched environments,” Tan says. “It’s about the relationship humanity and nature have built over thousands of years. At its core, the story is about life.”
Creative Partnership
Series Producer, Shizhen Tan.
Collaboration between BBC Studios and GRT brought both creative challenge and reward. Winchcombe recalls the cultural exchange. “At first, there were differences, but we quickly learned from each other. GRT pushed us to achieve more, and we brought an editorial perspective for a global audience—all while keeping the stories rooted in Guangdong.”
Tan agrees, praising the BBC team’s sensitivity to local culture. “Even in a short time, they connected with authentic Guangdong life. From flower markets to local festivals, they didn’t just film animals—they filmed our society.”
Chinese New year , Guangzhou Flowers Market.
Among the locations, Winchcombe remembers the mangrove forests most vividly. “They’re strange, hidden worlds most people never see— even the crabs are surprisingly entertaining. But every episode has moments I won’t forget, from orchids in bloom to the black-faced spoonbill showing up on the first day of filming.”
Following the premiere of the series in early December, both Winchcombe and Tan hope viewers walk away with three insights: that Guangdong’s wild landscapes exist alongside thriving human communities, that these creatures are worth protecting, and that achieving balance between people and nature requires both respect and wisdom.
Production crew in the flower market at Guangdong.
“This series shows that wildlife and humanity don’t have to be in conflict,” Winchcombe says. “They can thrive together—and that’s a story worth telling.”
Stream China’s Wild Guangdong on BBC Player now or tune in to BBC Earth from 16-18 February, 8-9pm on Unifi TV channel 501 and Astro channel 554.
(Images: BBC Earth)
