Participants : Carolyn Louise Stewart, Brian Casatelli, Jörg Hanoldt & Sioh Eng Woo, Stefan Obytz, Bradford Lee Carey, Rudolf Floris Koes, Mark Philippart, Martin Ulrik Junker Nielsen
On our scheduled Sichuan birding tour from 22 April to 11 May, 2024, we recorded 291 species, including 35 endemics as well as other breeding endemics, near-endemics, and highlight birds such as:
12 species of pheasants: Chinese Monal (E), White-eared Pheasant (E), Blue-eared Pheasant (E), Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Golden Pheasant (E), Temminck’s Tragopan, Verreaux’s/Chestnut-throated Monal-partridge (E), Tibetan Partridge, Chinese Grouse (E), Tibetan Snowcock, Blood Pheasant, Common Pheasant, Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush (E), Plain/Pere David’s Laughingthrush (E), Elliot’s Laughingthrush (E), Barred Laughingthrush (E), Giant Laughingthrush (E), Emei Shan Liocichla (E) – sensitive species, which is not shown on the public ebird trip list, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Red-winged Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, Chinese Babax, 9 speices of parrotbills: Grey-hooded Parrotbill (E), Spectacled Parrotbill (E), Golden Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Great Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill, Ashy-throated Parrotbill, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Three-toed Parrotbill (E), Sichuan Jay (E), Salim Ali’s Swift (E), Tibetan Lark, Black-necked Crane, Saker Falcon – sensitive species, which is not shown on the public ebird trip list, Siberian Rubythroat, Firethroat, Przevalski’s Finch/Pinktail (E), Three-banded Rosefinch (E), Chinese White-browed Rosefinch, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Streaked Rosefinch, Pink-rumped Rosefinch, Vinaceous Rosefinch, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Sharpe’s Rosefinch, Chinese Long-tailed Rosefinch (E), White-bellied Redstart, Indian Blue Robin, Golden Bush Robin, White-browed Bush Robin, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Sapphire Flycatcher, Chinese Blue Flycatcher, Pere David’s Tit (E), Sichuan Tit (E), White-browed Tit (E), Yellow-bellied Tit (E), Fire-capped Tit , Ground Tit (E), Sooty Bushtit (E), Snow Pigeon, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Himalayan Owl, White-backed Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Brown Bullfinch, Gray-headed Bullfinch, Chinese Nuthatch, Przevalski’s Nuthatch, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, Sichuan Treecreeper (E), Gold-fronted Fulvetta (E), Chinese Fulvetta (E), Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Spectacled Fulvetta, White-browed Tit Warbler, Crested Tit Warbler (E), Maroon-backed Accentor, Pygmy Cupwing, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Yellow-streaked Warbler, Buff-throated Warbler, Bianchi’s Warbler, Marten’s Warbler, Grey-crowned Warbler, Alstrom’s Warbler, Emei Leaf Warbler (E), Sichuan Leaf Warbler, Alpine/Tickell’s Leaf Warbler , Humes Leaf Warbler, Claudia’s Leaf Warbler, Kloss’s Leaf Warbler, Chinese Leaf Warbler, Sichuan Bush Warbler (E), Brown Bush Warbler, Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Abberant Bush Warbler, Little Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Sichuan Forest Thrush, Long-tailed Thrush, Chinese Blackbird (E), Rufous-necked Snowfinch, White-rumped Snowfinch, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Moupinia/ Rufous-tailed Babbler (E), Slaty Bunting (E)
Sensitive species recorded during the tour but not included in the public ebird trip list: Red-billed Blue-Magpie, Saker Falcon, Emei Shan Liocichla, Buffy Laughingthrush
left to right : Jörg, Stefan, Martin, Sioh, Carolyn, Mark, Summer, Rudolf, Brad, Brian
Tour Overview – High-Altitude Wildlife Expedition— 8 Days
Embark on an unforgettable Snow Leopard Tour in Qinghai, China, a journey deep into the remote highlands of the Tibetan Plateau. This exclusive expedition takes you to the spectacular Gouli Valley, one of China’s best regions for observing Snow Leopards and other rare high-altitude wildlife. Over eight days, you’ll travel across dramatic mountain landscapes, vast grasslands, and glacial valleys in search of these elusive big cats, guided by expert naturalists and experienced local trackers.
In addition to Snow Leopards, the region supports an impressive diversity of mammals, including Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, Tibetan Fox, Tibetan Gazelle and Kiang. Each day provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and close encounters with the plateau’s unique fauna. Comfortable accommodations, expert guidance, and well-organized logistics ensure a rewarding and memorable field experience in one of China’s wildest and most awe-inspiring regions.
Tour Schedule
2026 July 24-July 31 (8 days) Mammal & Bird watching guide : Summer Wong, scheduled tour, group limit : 6-10 pax, cost: 2800 USD 3 spaces available
Besides our scheduled and private tours, we also offer budget-friendly birding tours. If you are an international birding company looking for a reliable ground operator in China, please feel free to contact us for rates and further details.
Deposit : USD 500 per person
Single Room Supplement (7 nights) :USD 200 per person
Tour Cost Includes:
All ground transportation by 4WD
Accommodation in twin-share or single rooms
All meals (including daily bottled water, packed breakfasts, and lunches/dinners mostly at local restaurants)
All necessary entrance fees and nature reserve permits
Guide/driver’s meals, accommodation, and service fees
Tour Cost Excludes:
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Tips for local staff
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Golmud, Transfer to Xiangride
Upon arrival at Golmud Airport, you will be greeted by our local team and travel by 4WD vehicles to Xiangride (approximately 3.5 hours). The drive offers your first glimpse of the vast Tibetan Plateau, with its sweeping grasslands and distant snow-capped peaks. Settle into your comfortable accommodation and rest in preparation for the exciting days of field exploration ahead. Overnight in Xiangride.
Days 2–7 – Wildlife Exploration in Gouli Valley
Spend six full days exploring the breathtaking Gouli Valley, traveling by 4WD to access prime wildlife habitats. Accompanied by experienced local guides, you will search for the elusive Snow Leopard and a remarkable diversity of other mammals, including Eurasian Lynx, Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Fox, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Mountain Weasel, Tibetan Gazelle, White-lipped Deer, Alpine Musk Deer, Woolly Hare, Kiang, Plateau Pika, Asian Badger, Smoky Mountain Vole, Chinese Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog), Steppe Polecat, and Tibetan Argali.
Each day offers new opportunities to observe and photograph high-altitude wildlife amid pristine mountain scenery, while learning about the delicate ecosystems and conservation efforts of this extraordinary region. Overnight in Xiangride.
Day 8 – Return to Golmud and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Golmud Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to the spectacular landscapes of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and conclude your unforgettable wildlife adventure.
2026 Dec 20 – 2027 Jan 8 (20 days) bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 4500 USD
2027 Jan 10-29 (20 days) bird guide : Summer Wong , private tour, tour is full
2027 Feb 10-Mar 1 (20 days) bird guide : Summer Wong , private tour, tour is full
2028 Jan 1-20 (20 days) bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 4800 USD
2028 Feb 3-22 (20 days) bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 4800 USD
Besides our scheduled and private tours, we also offer budget-friendly birding tours. If you are an international birding company looking for a reliable ground operator in China, please feel free to contact us for rates and further details.
Single Room Supplement: USD 600 per person
Tour Cost Includes:
All ground transportation by private car/van/coach
Accommodation in twin-share or single rooms
All meals (including daily bottled water, packed breakfasts, and lunches/dinners mostly at local restaurants)
All necessary entrance fees and nature reserve permits
Guide/driver’s meals, accommodation, and service fees
Domestic flight from Fuzhou to Sanya/Haikou
Tour Cost Excludes:
International flights
Travel insurance
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Tips for local staff
Scroll down to check out the itinerary, map, photos of hotels and food, plus birds, mammals, and stunning scenery
Day 1 Arrive at Shanghai, birding at Shanghai when time allowed, night in Shanghai
Day 2 Morning birding in Shanghai, then head to Wuyuan, 500km, 6.5 hours drive, night in Wuyuan
Possible birds in Shanghai area: Reed Parrotbill, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Chinese Penduline Tit, Long-tailed Shrike, Oriental Magpie, Common Kestrel, Spotted and Oriental Turtle Dove, Pallas’s Reed Bunting, Light-vented Bulbul,Eurasian Hoopoe, Plain Prinia, Little and Great Crested Grebe, Common Pheasant, Eurasian Spoonbill, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Falcated Duck.
Day 3 Full day birding in Wuyuan, night in Wuyuan
Possible birds in Wuyuan area: Mandarin Duck, Scaly-sided Merganser, Pied Falconet, Grey-sided Scimitar Babbler, Short-tailed Parrotbill, Greater and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, Chinese Hwamei, Moustached, Buffy and Masked Laughingthrushes, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Silver Pheasant, White-breasted Waterhen, Green Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Long-billed Plover, Black-winged Kite, Black Eagle, Eastern Buzzard, Collared Owlet, Common Kingfisher, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Brown Shrike, Grey Treepie, Japanese Tit, Collared Finchbill, Rufous-faced Warbler, Black-throated Bushtit, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Dusky and Huet’s Fulvetta, Indochinese Yuhina, Red-billed and Black-collared Starling, Grey-backed Thrush, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, White-crowned Forktail, Daurian Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Fork-tailed Sunbird, White-rumped and Scaly-breasted Munia, Chinese Grosbeak, Yellow-browed, Black-faced and Tristram’s Buntings.
Day 4 Morning birding in Wuyuan then head to Jiujiang, 270km, 3.5 hours drive, night in Jiujiang
Day 5 Morning birding in Northern Poyang Lake, then head to Dongzhai, 420km, 5.5 hours drive, afternoon birding in Dongzhai if time allowed, night in Dongzhai
Possible birds in Northern Poyang Lake area: Baer’s Pochard, Siberian Crane, Ferruginous Duck, Tufted Duck, Swan Goose, Tundra Bean Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Teal, Grey Heron, Common Kingfisher, Yellow-browed Warbler, White-browed and Masked Laughingthrush, Red-billed, White-cheeked and Black-collared Starling, Dusky Thrush, Chinese Grosbeak, Little, Rustic, Yellow-throated and Black-faced Bunting.
Day 6 Morning birding in Dongzhai then head to Poyang Lake, 520km, 6.5 hours drive, night in Wucheng
Possible birds in Dongzhai area: Reeves’s Pheasant, Crested Ibis,Brown Crake, Crested Kingfisher, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Treepie, Oriental Magpie, Collared Crow, Coal and JapaneseTit, Collared Finchbill, Brown-breasted, Light-vented, Mountain and Chestnut Bulbul, Rufous-faced Warbler, Silver-throated and Black-throated Bushtits, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Chinese Hwamei, Masked Laughingthrush, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Swinhoe’s White-eye, Red-flanked Bluetail, White-crowned Forktail, White-rumped Munia, Eurasian Siskin, Little, Meadow, Yellow-browed, Rustic, Yellow-throated and Black-faced Bunting.
Day 7 Full day birding in Poyang Lake, night in Wucheng
Possible birds in Wucheng, Poyang Lake area: Siberian, Common, Hooded and White-naped Cranes, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Common Pheasant, Swan Goose, Tundra Bean Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Eurasian Teal, Brown Crake, Japanese Quail, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Common Snipe, Northern Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Oriental Stork, Great Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-crowned Night Heron, Eastern Marsh and Hen Harriers, White-throated and Pied Kingfisher, Brown-flanked Bush Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Marsh Grassbird, Plain Prinia, Red-billed, White-cheeked and Black-collared Starlings, Chinese Blackbird, Hwamei, Grey-backed and Pale Thrushes, White-rumped and Scaly-breasted Munias, Olive-backed and Buff-bellied Pipits, Chinese Grosbeak, Chestnut-eared and Black-faced Buntings.
Day 8 Morning birding in Poyang Lake, then head to Emei Feng, 420km, 5.5 hours drive, night in Taining
Day 9 Full day birding in Emei Feng, night in Taining
Possible birds in Emei Feng area: Cabot’s Tragopan, Elliot’s, Silver and Koklass Pheasants, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Mandarin Duck, Sultan, Yellow-cheeked and Japanese Tits, Dusky and Huet’s Fulvettas, Chinese Hwamei, Masked, Moustached and Buffy Laughingthrushes, Greater and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes, House Swift, Black-winged Kite, Black Eagle, Collared and Asian Barred Owlet, Great Barbet, Common Kestrel, Grey-chinned Minivet, Bull-headed Shrike, White-bellied Erpornis, Indochinese Yuhina, Blyth’s Shrike-babbler, Grey Treepie, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Collared Finchbill, Mountain Bulbul, Rufous-faced Warbler, Black-throated Bushtit, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Grey-sided and Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Crested Myna, Black-collared Starling, Dusky and White’s Thrushes, White-crowned, Spotted and Slaty-backed Forktail, Siberian Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Brambling, Little and Black-faced Buntings.
Day 10 Morning birding in Emeifeng then head to Mingxi, 110km, 2 hours drive, afternoon birding when time allowed, night in Jiangle
Day 11 Morning birding in Mingxi then head to Junfeng Shan, 90km, 2 hours drive, night in Ziyun Village
Possible birds in Jiangle area: Blyth’s Kingfisher, Elliot’s Pheasant,White-eared Night Heron, Silver Pheasant, Red-headed Trogon, Chinese Barbet, White-breasted Waterhen, Striated Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Eagle, Grey-chinned Minivet, White-bellied Erpornis, Japanese and Yellow-cheeked Tit, Light-vented, Mountain and Chestnut Bulbul, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Grey-sided Scimitar Babbler, Huet’s Fulvetta, Indochinese and Black-chinned Yuhina, White’s Thrush, Little, White-crowned and Slaty-backed Forktail, Blue Whistling Thrush, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Tristram’s Bunting.
Day 12 Morning birding in Junfeng Shan, then head to Sanming, 90km, 1.5 hours drive, afternoon birding in Sanming, night in Sanming
Day 13 Morning birding in Sanming, then head to Fuzhou, 220km, 3 hours drive, night in Fuzhou
Possible birds in Junfeng Shan and Sanming area: White-necklaced Partridge,Short-tailed Parrotbill, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Cabot’s Tragopan, Elliot’s Pheasant, Chinese Barbet, Mandarin Duck, Green Sandpiper, Black-crowned Night Heron, Chinese Pond Heron, Crested Goshawk, Collared Owlet, Common Kingfisher, Eurasian Wryneck, Scarlet and Grey-chinned Minivets, White-bellied Erpornis, Sultan, Japanese and Yellow-cheeked Tits, Light-vented, Mountain and Chestnut Bulbuls, Red-rumped Swallow, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Grey-sided and Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Rufous-capped Babbler, Dusky and Huet’s Fulvettas, Indochinese Yuhina, Black-collared Starlings, White-crowned Forktail, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Fork-tailed Sunbird, Little, Black-faced and Tristram’s Buntings.
Day 14 Morning birding in Fuzhou forest park then head to Changle, 60km, 1 hour drive, night in Changle
Possible birds in Fuzhou forest park: White-necklaced Partridge, Spotted Elachura, Silver Pheasant, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Fork-tailed Sunbird, Hartert’s Leaf Warbler,Manchurian Bush Warbler, Chinese Pond Heron, Great Barbet, Grey Treepie, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Collared Finchbill, Red-whiskered, Light-vented, Mountain, Black and Chestnut Bulbul, Rufous-faced and Yellow-browed Warblers, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Common Tailorbird, Grey-sided and Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Huet’s Fulvetta, Red-billed Leiothrix, Chinese Hwamei, Black-throated Laughingthrush, Indochinese Yuhina, Swinhoe’s White-eye, Pale Thrush, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Slaty-backed and White-crowed Forktail, Tristram’s Bunting.
Day 15 Morning birding in Minjiang Estuary then head to Fuzhou Changle airport, fly to Sanya/Haikou（ Hainan Island ）, drive to Jianfengling, night in Jianfengling
Possible birds in Minjiang Estuary area: Spoon-billed, Common, Green and Marsh Sandpipers, Eurasian and Black-faced Spoonbill, Tundra Swan, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Eurasian Teal, Northern Pintail, Little Grebe, Oriental Turtle Dove, Spotted Dove, Common Moorhen, Pied Avocet, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Black-bellied, Little Ringed and Kentish Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Temminck’s and Red-necked Stint, Sanderling, Dunlin, Common Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Common Greenshank, Saunders’s, Relict, Black-headed, Black-tailed and Mongolian Gull, Caspian Tern, Oriental Stork, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great and Little Egret, Chinese Pond Heron, Osprey, Black-winged Kite, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Eastern Buzzard, Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian Wryneck, Eurasian Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Long-tailed Shrike, Oriental Magpie, Plain and Yellow-bellied Prinia, Light-vented and Red-whiskered Bulbul, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Manchurian Bush Warbler, Swinhoe’s White-eye, Black-collared and Red-billed Starling, Crested Myna, Chinese Blackbird, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Bluethroat, Daurian Redstart, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Richard’s, Olive-backed, Red-throated and American/Buff-bellied Pipits, Grey-capped Greenfinch, Black-faced Bunting.
Day 16-17 Two full days birding in Jianfengling, night in Jianfengling
Main targets in Jianfengling : Hainan Peacock Pheasant, Hainan Partridge, Hainan Leaf Warbler, Hainan Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Nuthatch, Spot-necked Babbler, Swinhoe’s Laughingthrush ( likely split from Black-throated ), Chinese Barbet, Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Fork-tailed Sunbird, Sultan Tit, Red-headed Trogon, Japanese Robin, Large Scimitar Babbler, Eyebrowed Wren-babbler, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Hartert’s Leaf Warbler, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Scops Owl
Day 18 Morning birding in Jianfengling, then drive to Danzhou, on the way looking for White-browed Crake and Lesser Whistling Duck, night in Danzhou
Day 19 Full day birding in Danzhou, night in Danzhou
Main targets in Danzhou : Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Eastern Grass Owl, Eastern Barn Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, Slaty-breasted Rail, King Quail, Barred Buttonquail, Paddyfield Pipit, Richard’s Pipit, Lanceolated Warbler, Black-faced Spoonbill
Day 20 Morning birding in Danzhou, then drive to Haikou airport send off, suggest flight after 2 pm, departure.
2026 July 10-13, Lhasa extension (4 days) cost: 1400 USD
2026 July 13-24, Tibetan Plateau (12 days) Leader : Summer Wong, scheduled tour, max group size: 10-12 pax, cost: 2900 USD Tour is full
2026 July 24-31, Snow Leopard extension (8 days) cost: 2800 USD tour link
2027 July 10-13, Lhasa extension (4 days) cost: 1400 USD
2027 July 13-24, Tibetan Plateau (12 days) Leader : Summer Wong & Kexin Peng, scheduled tour, max group size: 10-12 pax, cost: 2900 USD
2027 July 24-31, Snow Leopard extension (8 days) cost: 2800 USD tour link
2028 July 6-13, Snow Leopard extension (8 days), cost: 2800 USD tour link
2028 July 13-24, Tibetan Plateau(12 days) Leader : Summer Wong & Kexin Peng, scheduled tour, max group size: 10-12 pax, cost: 2900 USD
2028 July 24-27, Lhasa extension (4 days), group size: 4-10 pax, cost: 1400 USD
Besides our scheduled and private tours, we also offer budget-friendly birding tours. If you are an international birding company looking for a reliable ground operator in China, please feel free to contact us for rates and further details.
Deposit : USD 500 per person
Qinghai Tibetan Plateau Tour Single Room Supplement (11 nights):USD 450 per person
Lhasa Tour Single Room Supplement (3 nights):USD 175 per person
Tour Cost Includes:
All ground transportation by private car/van/coach
Accommodation in twin-share or single rooms
All meals (including daily bottled water, packed breakfasts, and lunches/dinners mostly at local restaurants)
All necessary entrance fees and nature reserve permits
Guide/driver’s meals, accommodation, and service fees
Tour Cost Excludes:
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Tips for local staff
Scroll down to check out the itinerary, map, photos of hotels and food, plus birds, mammals, and stunning scenery
Detailed Daily Itinerary & Highlight Birds
Day 1 Arrival day – Xining airport pick up and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Morning birding at Dongxia forest park , drive to Gonghe, 185km, 3 hours drive, birding at Gonghe, night in Gonghe
Possible birds in Dongxia forest park : Gansu Leaf Warbler, Przevalski’s and Chinese Nuthatch, Crested Tit Warbler, Goldcrest, Siberian Rubythroat, Chinese White-browed and Common Rosefinches, Yellow-streaked Warbler, White-throated Redstart, Chinese Song Thrush, Elliot’s Laughingthrush, White-winged Grosbeak, Black-faced Bunting, Grey-headed Bullfinch
Possible birds near Gonghe : Mongolian Finch, Desert Finch, Lesser Whitethroat, Pine Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, Isabelline and Desert Wheatear, Rock Sparrow, Twite, White-rumped and Rufous-necked Snowfinches
Day 3 Birding at Longyangxia Valley and Mt.Ela then head to Maduo, 340km, 4 hours drive, night in Maduo
Main bird targets in Longyangxia Valley ( this is a new place found by Chinese birders for Pale Rosefinch during the covid ):Pale Rosefinch,Przevalski’s Partridge, Desert Finch, Mongolian Finch, Lesser Whitethroat
Main bird target birds in Mt.Ela : Roboroveski’s/Tibetan Rosefinch, Guldenstadt’s/White-winged Redstart, Tibetan Snowfinch, Brandt’s and Plain Mountain Finches
Main bird targets on the way from Gonghe to Maduo: Mongolian Lark, Przevalski’s Finch, Streaked Rosefinch, White-browed Tit, Black-winged Snowfinch, Guldenstadt’s/White-winged Redstart etc
Day 4 Drive from Maduo to Nangqian via Yushu, night at Nangqian, 500km, 7 hours drive, night in Nangqian
Target birds on the way from Maduo to Nangqian : Ibisbill, Upland Buzzard, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Saker Falcon, Daurian Jackdaw, Little Owl, Mongolian Lark, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose, Common Redshank, Brown-headed Gull, Common Tern, Pale Martin, Citrine Wagtail, Salim Ali’s Swift, Eurasian Crag Martin, Asian House Martin, White-rumped, Black-winged and Rufous-necked Snowfinches, Common Hoopoe, Kessler’s Thrush, Giant Grey Shrike, Brown Deeper, Black, Hodgson’s and Blue-fronted Redstart, Tickell’s/Alpine Leaf Warbler, Red-rumped Swallow, Streaked and Great Rosefinches
Mammals: Kiang, Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Fox, Kiang, Wolf
Day 5 Birding at Kanda Shan, night in Nangqian
Main target birds in Kanda Shan : Tibetan Bunting, Tibatan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge, White-eared Pheasant, Szechenyi’s Monal-Partridge (Buff-throated Partridge),Tibetan Babax, Chinese Rubythroat, White-browed Tit, Sichuan Tit, White-browed Tit Warbler, other possible species: Wallcreeper, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Golden Eagle, Grandala, Chinese Beautiful, Red-fronted and Streaked Rosefinches, Snow Pigeon, White-capped Redstart, Plain Mountain Finch, White-winged Grosbeak
There is also good chances for Blue Sheep
Day 6 Birding at Baizha forest, night in Nangqian
Main target birds in Baizha forest : Szechenyi’s Monal-Partridge (Buff-throated Partridge), White-eared Pheasant,Tibetan Babax, other possible species: Elliot’s and Giant Laughingthrush, Three-banded, Pink-rumped and Common Rosefinches, Crested Tit Warbler, White-throated Dipper, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, Long-tailed Thrush, Black and Grey-headed Woodpecker, Himalayan Bluetail, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Rosy Pipit, Rufous-vented, Grey-crested and Sichuan Tit, Chinese Fulvetta, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-breasted and Maroon-backed Accentors, Salim Ali’s Swift, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Sichuan Leaf Warbler
There is also good chances for Blue Sheep
Day 7 Drive from Nangqian to Qumalai, birding and mammal watching on the way, night at Qumalai, 400km, 5 hours drive, night in Qumalai
Possible birds on the way from Nangqian to Qumalai: Ibisbill, Black-necked Crane, Upland Buzzard, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Saker Falcon etc
Mammals : Kiang, Wolf, Tibetan Fox
Day 8 Drive from Qumalai to Golmud, 480 km, 6 hours drive, birding and mammal watching on the way, night at Golmud
Main target birds on the way from Qumalai to Golmud : Tibetan Sandgrouse, Tibetan Sand Plover, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Little Owl, Lesser Whitethroat etc
Mammals: Tibetan Antelope, Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Fox, Kiang, Wolf
Day 9 Drive from Golmud to Dulan via B, birding on the way, 350km, 4 hours drive , night in Dulan
Main target birds on the way from Golmud to Dulan: Henderson’s Ground Jay, Tarim Babbler ( a new place found by local Chinese birders during the covid ), Lesser Whitethroat, Asian Short-toed Lark, Isabelline Shrike, Bearded Reedling etc
Mammals: Goitered Gazelle
Day 10 Drive from Dulan to Chaka, birding on the way, night in Chaka
Main targets birds on the way from Dulan to Chaka: Przevalski’s Redstart, Przevalski’s Partridge, Daurian Partridge, Pine Bunting, Giant Grey Shrike, White-winged Grosbeak, Black Redstart etc
Day 11 Morning birding in Chaka area then head to Rubber mountain and Koko Nor lake / Qinghaihu lake, drive to Xining, night in Xining
Main target birds in Chaka area: Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Henderson’s Ground Jay, Mongolian Lark, Blanford’s/Plain-backed Snowfinch, Desert and Isabelline Wheatears
Main target birds in Rubber mountain: Przevalski’s Finch, White-browed Tit, White-rumped, Rufous-necked and Black-winged Snowfinch, Robin and Brown Accentor, Dusky Warbler, Tickell’s / Alpine Leaf Warbler
Main target birds in Koko Nor lake : Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose, Brown-headed Gull, Ground Tit, Mongolian, Hume’s Short-toed and Tibetan Lark, Pere David’s Snowfinch, Pale Martin ect
Mammals: Przewalski’s Gazelle
Day 12 Optional morning birding around Xining (time permitting). We recommend booking your departure flight after 14:00.
Lhasa extension
Day 1 Lhasa airport pick up, check in hotel, visit Jokhang Monastery , Barkhor Street, night in Lhasa
Day 2 Morning birding in Luobulinka Park, visit Potala Palace in the afternoon, night in Lhasa
Main target birds in Luobulinka Park: Lord Derby’s Parakeet, Tibetan Blackbird
Day 3 Full day birding in Xiongse Monastery（Shugseb Nunnery） and around Lhasa, night in Lhasa
Main target birds in Xiongse Monastery: Prince Henri’s Laughingthrush, Giant Babax, Tibetan Eared Pheasant, Tibetan Snowcock
Day 4 Morning birding in Lhasa area if time allowed, then drive to airport send off, departure
Our Best of Sichuan Birding Tour is built on many years of guiding experience across this exceptionally bird-rich region of China. Sichuan is widely regarded as one of the best birding regions in China, and this 20-day itinerary offers birders a chance to explore some of the most diverse and productive habitats in the entire country. Over the course of the tour, we will visit prime birding areas — city parks, bamboo and broadleaf forests, mossy conifer slopes, and the high Tibetan Plateau — aiming to find as many of Sichuan’s endemic and near-endemic species as possible, with around 300 bird species typically recorded on this trip.
Expect spectacular scenery, excellent photographic opportunities, and the chance to encounter iconic mammals such as the Red Panda. This tour blends outstanding birdwatching, magnificent landscapes, and the unforgettable flavors of world-famous Sichuan cuisine, making it one of the most rewarding China birding tours available today.
Tour Highlights
Expert-guided birding across Sichuan’s top sites
Over 15 pheasant species targeted, including Chinese Monal, Temminck’s Tragopan, and Golden Pheasant
Rich diversity of parrotbills, laughingthrushes, and breeding migrants such as flycatchers, robins, and warblers
High-altitude plateau specialties including Przevalski’s Finch, Ground Tit, Tibetan Lark, and Black-necked Crane
Opportunities for close-up pheasant photography from hides at selected sites
Tour Schedule & Departure Dates
2026 April 27-May 16 (20 days) Bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 3950 USD tour is full
2026 May 19-June 7 (20 days) Bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 3950 USD, tour is full
2026 May 20-June 8 (20 days) Bird guide : Wenbin Wang , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 3400 USD
2026 June 10-June 29 (20 days) Bird guide: Summer Wong , private tour, tour is full
2027 April 28-May 17 (20 days) Bird guide : Summer Wong , private tour, tour is full
2027 May 19-June 7 (20 days) Bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 4300 USD, tour is full
2027 June 9-June 28 (20 days) Bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 4300 USD
2028 April 28-May 17 (20 days) Bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 4300 USD
2028 May 19-June 7 (20 days) Bird guide : Summer Wong , private tour, tour is full
2028 June 9-June 28 (20 days) Bird guide : Summer Wong , scheduled tour, group limit : 9-10 pax, cost: 4300 USD
Besides our scheduled and private tours, we also offer budget-friendly birding tours. If you are an international birding company looking for a reliable ground operator in China, please feel free to contact us for rates and further details.
Deposit : USD 500 per person
Single Room Supplement (19 nights) :USD 600 per person
Tour Cost Includes:
All ground transportation by private car/van/coach
Accommodation in twin-share or single rooms, all with private facilities
All meals (including daily bottled water, packed breakfasts, and lunches/dinners mostly at local restaurants)
All necessary entrance tickets, hide fees, cable car/shuttle bus fees on tour and nature reserve permits
Guide/driver’s meals, accommodation, and service fees
Tour Cost Excludes:
International and domestic flights
Visa and Travel insurance
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Tips for local staff
Scroll down to check out the itinerary, map, photos of hotel, food & vehicle, plus birds, mammals, and stunning scenery
Detailed Daily Itinerary & Highlight Birds
Day 1 (Arrival Day)— Chengdu Chengdu TFU / CTU airport pickup and transfer to the hotel. Overnight: Chengdu
Day 2 — Chengdu park (AM) → Tangjiahe (PM) Morning park birding in Chengdu, after lunch then drive to Tangjiahe.
Chengdu Highlight birds: Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Ashy-throated Parrotbill, Chinese Grosbeak, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Tiger Shrike, White-browed Laughingthrush, Chinese Blackbird, Chinese Bulbul, possible Swinhoe’s Minivet. Tangjiahe highlights: Golden Pheasant, Slaty Bunting, Tawny Fish Owl, Brown Dipper, Sulphur-breasted Warbler, Alström’s Warbler, Little Forktail, Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Zappey’s Flycatcher. Mammals: Takin, Tufted Deer, Reeve’s Muntjac, Chinese Goral, Yellow-throated Marten, (rare) Black Bear. Overnight: Tangjiahe
Day 3 — Tangjiahe (AM) → Drive with roadside birding → Chuanzhusi (PM) Morning birding in Tangjiahe; drive west with stops for woodland and roadside species. En-route highlights: Zappey’s Flycatcher, Spectacled Fulvetta, Spot-breasted Parrotbill. Chuanzhusi approach: Begin searching for montane targets. Overnight: Chuanzhusi
Day 4 — Chuanzhusi (AM) →Drive to Ruoergai (PM) Early forest and ridgeline birding in Chuanzhusi before a northward drive to Ruoergai. Chuanzhusi highlights: Tibetan Snowcock, Blue-eared Pheasant, Grandala, Siberian Rubythroat, Chinese Rubythroat, White-bellied Redstart, Red-fronted Rosefinch, Streaked Rosefinch, White-browed Tit-Warbler, Crested Tit-Warbler, White-browed Tit, Salim Ali’s Swift. Overnight: Ruoergai
Days 5–6 — Ruoergai area (Baxi forest & Flower Lake) Two full days split between montane Baxi forest and the high grasslands/Flower Lake wetlands. Baxi forest highlights: Blue-eared Pheasant, Chinese Grouse, Blood Pheasant, Snowy-cheeked and Plain/Pere David’s Laughingthrush, Giant Laughingthrush, Sichuan Jay, Spectacled Parrotbill, Crested Tit-Warbler, Chinese Fulvetta, Three-banded & Long-tailed Rosefinches, Przevalski’s Nuthatch, Chinese Nuthatch, Sichuan Tit, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Siberian Rubythroat. Flower Lake / plateau highlights: Black-necked Crane, Ground Tit, Tibetan Lark, Horned Lark, White-rumped & Rufous-necked Snowfinches, Little Owl, Saker Falcon. Mammals: Tibetan Fox, Tibetan Gazelle, Plateau Pika, Himalayan Marmot. Overnight: Ruoergai
Day 7 — Ruoergai → Maerkang (drive; birding en route) Drive south toward Maerkang with specific stops to search for plateau specialties. Highlights en route: Przevalski’s Finch (Pinktail), White-browed Tit, White-browed Tit Warbler, Giant Grey Shrike, Tibetan Partridge, Pale Martin, Little Owl, occasional Eagle Owl. Overnight: Maerkang
Day 8 — Mengbishan (AM) → Drive to Wolong (PM) Morning birding in Mengbishan’s pine-fir forests, then travel to Wolong with roadside stops. Mengbishan highlights: Verreaux’s (Chestnut-throated) Monal-Partridge, Blood Pheasant, Sichuan Jay, Crested Tit-Warbler, Three-banded Rosefinch, Chinese Fulvetta, Przevalski’s Nuthatch, Maroon-backed Accentor, Giant Laughingthrush, Pink-rumped & Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinches. En-route to Wolong: Watch for Wallcreeper on cliffs, Eurasian Crag Martin, Hill Pigeon, Salim Ali’s Swift, Long-tailed Rosefinch. Overnight: Wolong
Day 9 — Full day Balangshan (Wolong base) Full day on Balangshan rim and slopes for high-altitude species. Balangshan Highlights: Chinese Monal, Golden Pheasant, White-eared Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Sichuan Forest Thrush, Sharpe’s/Dark-breasted/Dark-rumped Rosefinches, Crimson-browed Finch, Slaty Bunting, Chinese Babax, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Indian Blue Robin, Rosy Pipit, Buff-barred & Sichuan Leaf Warblers. Overnight: Wolong
Day 10 — Half day Balangshan → Drive to Labahe (4–5 hrs) Morning follow-up in Balangshan then transfer to Labahe. Labahe approach highlights: Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Temminck’s Tragopan (possible), Chinese Monal, Pere David’s Tit, Fire-capped Tit, local parrotbills and breeding warblers. Overnight: Labahe
Day 11 — Half day Labahe → Drive to Kangding, Lianghekou Village (4–5 hrs) Morning birding in Labahe, then drive toward Kangding (Lianghekou Village) in the afternoon/evening. Labahe highlights: Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Brown / Chestnut-crowned / Spotted / Grey-sided / Aberrant Bush Warblers, Fire-capped Tit, Fulvous Parrotbill, Sichuan Treecreeper. Overnight: Kangding
Day 12 — Kangding (AM) → Drive to Hailuogou (PM) Early morning visit for photographic Chinese Monal (best local spot), then transfer toward Hailuogou. Kangding highlight: Chinese Monal, White-eared Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Golden Bush Robin, Sharpe’s Rosefinch, occasional Grandala. Overnight: Hailuogou
Day 13 — Full day Hailuogou Full day in the Hailuogou National Park exploring montane and valley forest. Highlights: Pere David’s Tit, Fire-capped Tit, Streaked Barwing, Scaly-breasted Cupwing (Chinese Cupwing), Sichuan Treecreeper, Himalayan Shortwing, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Blue-fronted Robin, Collared Grosbeak. Overnight: Hailuogou
Day 14 — Erlangshan (AM) → Drive to Longcanggou (3–4 hrs) Morning birding at Erlangshan for its specialties, then transfer to Longcanggou. Erlangshan highlights: Firethroat, Rufous-tailed (Moupinia) Babbler, Barred Laughingthrush, Yellow-streaked Warbler, Sharpe’s Rosefinch, Yellow-throated Bunting, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird. Overnight: Longcanggou
Day 15 — Half day Longcanggou → Drive to Wawushan Morning in Longcanggou, then drive south to Wawushan. Longcanggou highlights: Gold-fronted Fulvetta, Sichuan Bush Warbler, Chinese Blue Flycatcher, Golden Parrotbill, White-backed & Bay Woodpeckers, Brown Dipper, Emei Leaf Warbler, Grey-crowned Warbler. Overnight: Wawushan
Day 16 — Full day Wawushan Full exploration of Wawu Shan’s bamboo forests and boardwalks. Highlights: Parrotbill diversity (Grey-hooded, Brown, Great, Three-toed, Fulvous, Golden, Ashy-throated), Crimson-breasted & Darjeeling Woodpeckers, Three-toed Woodpecker, Sichuan Forest Thrush, Emei Shan Liocichla, Spotted & Red-winged Laughingthrushes, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, White-throated Needletail, Bianchi’s / Marten’s / Alström’s Warblers, and Red Panda! Overnight: Wawushan
Day 17 — Half day Wawushan → Drive to Pingshan (Tanshi Village) Finish missed targets in Wawushan then transfer to Pingshan. Approach to Pingshan highlights: prepare for pheasant hides and mixed lowland forest targets. Overnight: Pingshan
Day 18 — Full day Pingshan (Tanshi Village) A full day at hides and nearby forest for low-altitude pheasants and endemics. Highlights: Sichuan Partridge, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Temminck’s Tragopan, Silver Pheasant, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Emei Shan Liocichla, Buffy Laughingthrush, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Sichuan Bush Warbler, Chinese Hwamei, Slaty-backed Forktail. Overnight: Pingshan
Day 19 — Morning Pingshan → Drive to Chengdu (evening) Morning birding to wrap up Pingshan targets; drive back to Chengdu with stops. Final evening in Chengdu. Overnight: Chengdu
Day 20 (Departure Day)— Chengdu airport send-off & departure Transfer to Chengdu TFU / CTU airport for flights home. End of tour.
Note: The final tour itinerary may change slightly depending on the latest birding conditions.
Practical Notes & Recommendations
Altitude: Elevations range from lowland parks at around 500 m to over 4,000 m on the high plateau. Bring layered clothing and cold-weather gear for chilly mornings and mountain passes.
Driving: There will be several long driving days, though we’ll make regular birding stops along the way. Be prepared for early starts.
Photography: There are excellent opportunities for bird photography throughout the tour. At certain sites, hides (blinds) are available for close-up shots of pheasants. We recommend bringing medium to long telephoto lenses to capture the best images.
Flexibility: The itinerary will generally follow the planned sequence, but minor adjustments may be made to take advantage of the best weather, road, or birding conditions.
Health & Safety: Allow time for altitude acclimatization on high-elevation days, stay hydrated, and inform your guides of any signs of altitude discomfort.
