Time Magazine honored Wong How Man among their 25 Asian Heroes, calling Wong “China’s most accomplished living explorer”. The same honor was bestowed on Aung San Suu Kyi, the Karmapa, Yao Ming and Jackie Chan, among others. CNN has featured his work over a dozen times, including a half-hour profile by anchor Richard Quest. Discovery Channel has made several documentaries about his work.

Wong began exploring China in 1974. He is Founder/President of the China Exploration & Research Society, a non-profit organization specializing in exploration, research, conservation and education in remote China and neighboring countries. Wong has led six major expeditions for the National Geographic. He successfully defined the sources of the Yangtze, Mekong, and the Yellow River.

His organization conducts conservation projects covering China and neighboring countries, including Nepal, Laos, Bhutan, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Wong has authored over twenty books. Wong has received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Monk Hsing Yun of Taiwan.