China is one of the top destinations for birdwatchers worldwide. With over 1,400 bird species thriving across its vast and varied landscapes, the country offers an unmatched diversity of avian life. Some rare and endemic species to spot here include - Snow Partridge, Temminck's Tragopan, Golden Pheasant, Tibetan Snowcock, Chinese Grouse, Blue Eared Pheasant, Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch, Goldcrest, Giant Laughingthrush, Golden Parrotbill, Taiwan Blue Magpie, etc.
Despite the beautiful landscapes and incredible opportunities to witness avian species up close, heading on a birding tour can be overwhelming. To avoid this, many birding tour companies in China plan the trip in four effective ways - by interest, destination, duration, and season. Keep reading to understand and follow them for a successful and memorable birdwatching adventure.
Plan by Interest
Some travelers like to witness rare species while others prefer unique bird behaviours or endemic species. Therefore, planning a trip based on your interests is essential to make the most of the journey.
A few ideas to plan by interest:
- Love to capture the beauty of endemic species like the Chinese Monal, Sichuan Jay, or Crested Ibis.
- Explore the hotspots to find migratory birds, for example, waterfowl on Qinghai Lake.
- Nature photographers prefer scenic landscapes to spot vibrant birdlife.
Based on these interests professional tour agencies create tailored plans for clients.
Plan by Destination
China's vast landscapes comprise towering peaks, pristine lakes, coastal wetlands, grasslands, and subtropical forests. No matter which one you prefer to explore, all of them support a variety of bird species.
Some Popular birding destinations to explore are -
Sichuan Province - Home to species like Snow Partridge, Temminck's Tragopan, Golden Pheasant, Tibetan Snowcock, Chestnut-throated Partridge, Crested Tit Warbler, Chinese Fulvetta, Crimson-browed Finch, etc.
Yunnan Province - Witness extraordinary species like White-cheeked Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Red Junglefowl, Kalij Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, etc.
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau - Ideal for high-altitude birding species like - Hume's Ground Jay, Tibetan Rosefinch, Tibetan Snowcock, Buff-throated Partridge, Tibetan Lark, Tibetan Bunting, etc.
Plan by Duration
Not every birding enthusiast has abundant time to explore all the popular and unexplored sites. Therefore, it's crucial to plan according to your time schedule.
Some duration-based trip ideas:
- 3 - 5 days tour: Ideal for exploring Zixi Mountain and Kunming, Shanghai and Rudong, Labahe natural reserve, or Mount Emei.
- 7 - 10 days tour: Ideal for Balang Mountain and Longcanggou Forest Park or Emeifeng National Nature Reserve and Dongzhai National Nature Reserve.
- 15 - 20 days tour: Ideal for covering popular birding sites such as Longcangou, Balang Mountain, Wolong Nature Reserve, Mengbi Mountain, Flower Lake, Baxi Forest, Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, Erlang Mountain, just to name a few.
Plan by Season
The best time for birding trips in China is during - Spring, Autumn, and Winter.
- Summer (April to June): Breeding season to observe colorful avian creatures
- Autumn (September to November): Best for witnessing migratory birds
- Winter (December to February): Ideal for rare sightings at lakes and wetlands
Conclusion
China offers the most enriching and rewarding birding experiences in the world. . Whether you're exploring the dense forests of Sichuan, the tropical valleys of Yunnan, the high-altitude landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, or the coastal wetlands of the east, each region unveils a unique avian diversity.
However, it’s crucial to organize the trip based on interest, destination, duration, and season to enjoy an unforgettable birding adventure.
Consider partnering with expert birding tour companies in China like Alpine Birding that offer local insights, logistics, and customized itineraries. Plan the trip in the right way and make all the difference.
