Sichuan Birding Travel Itineraries

Sichuan birding travel guide

Sichuan is an excellent destination for birding enthusiasts due to its diverse geography and rich biodiversity. Here are some tips to help you plan your Sichuan birding trip:

Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn are the best times to go birding in Sichuan as the weather is pleasant and the birding season is at its peak.

Top birding spots: Some of the best birding spots in Sichuan include the Wolong National Nature Reserve, Balangshan Pass, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, and Mengbishan Mountain. These areas have a variety of habitats, including forest, grassland, and wetland, which attract different species of birds.

Key species: Sichuan is home to a range of unique and rare bird species, including the Chinese monal, Temminck's tragopan, and Lady Amherst's pheasant. You can also spot a variety of thrushes, babblers, and warblers.

Equipment and gear: Bring binoculars, a spotting scope, a bird field guidebook, and appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and outdoor activities.

Hiring a guide: It's recommended to hire a local birding guide to help you find and identify bird species, navigate the terrain, and provide local knowledge and insights.

Responsible birding: When birding, respect the wildlife and their habitat, avoid disturbing their natural behavior, and follow local regulations and guidelines.

By following these tips, you can have a memorable and rewarding birding experience in Sichuan.

4-day birding itinerary for Sichuan

Day 1: Chengdu to Balang Mountain, Start your day early and drive from Chengdu to Balang Mountain, which is about a 4-hour drive away. Stop at Wolong Nature Reserve on the way to Balang Mountain, where you can see the Giant Panda. Spend the afternoon birding at Balang Mountain, which is one of the best birding sites in Sichuan. Here you can see a variety of birds, including many endemic species like the Chinese Monal, the Golden Pheasant, and the Sichuan Jay.

Day 2: Balang Mountain, Spend a full day at Balang Mountain, exploring the different birding trails and habitats. Some of the other birds you can see here include the Blood Pheasant, the Barred Laughingthrush, the Firethroat, and the Chinese Fulvetta.

Day 3: Balang Mountain to Mengbishan, Drive from Balang Mountain to Mengbishan, which is about a 3-hour drive away. Mengbishan is another great birding site in Sichuan, with a variety of habitats and bird species. Some of the birds you can see here include the Chinese Babax, the Elliot's Laughingthrush, the Blue Eared Pheasant, and the Darjeeling Woodpecker.

Day 4: Mengbishan to Chengdu, Spend the morning birding at Mengbishan before driving back to Chengdu. Stop at Dujiangyan Irrigation System on the way back to Chengdu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great place for birdwatching. Here you can see birds like the White-browed Laughingthrush, the Slaty-blue Flycatcher, and the Brown Dipper. Arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon, and spend some time exploring the city before departing.

This itinerary provides a good mix of different habitats and bird species, and is suitable for both experienced and beginner birdwatchers.

7-day itinerary for birding in Sichuan

Day 1: Chengdu to Wolong, Fly into Chengdu and drive to Wolong, a nature reserve known for its giant pandas and diverse birdlife. Spend the afternoon birdwatching in the Wolong National Nature Reserve.

Day 2: Wolong, Spend the day exploring Wolong National Nature Reserve, looking for species such as the Spotted Laughingthrush, the Grey-hooded Parrotbill, and the Blue-eared Pheasant.

Day 3: Wolong to Balangshan, Drive to Balangshan, a mountain pass located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. Spend the afternoon birdwatching at Balangshan, looking for species such as the Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush, the Three-banded Rosefinch, and the Tibetan Snowcock.

Day 4: Balangshan to Ruoergai Grassland, Spend the morning birdwatching at Balangshan before driving to Ruoergai Grassland, a high-altitude grassland known for its unique birdlife. Spend the afternoon birdwatching in Ruoergai, looking for species such as the Black-necked Crane, the Chinese Grouse, and the Saker Falcon.

Day 5: Ruoergai Grassland, Spend the day exploring Ruoergai Grassland, looking for species such as the Bar-headed Goose, the Tibetan Lark, and the Crested Ibis.

Day 6: Ruoergai Grassland to Longcanggou, Drive to Longcanggou, a valley located in the mountains of northern Sichuan known for its rich birdlife. Spend the afternoon birdwatching in Longcanggou, looking for species such as the Golden Pheasant, the Firethroat, and the Chinese Bamboo Partridge.

Day 7: Longcanggou to Chengdu, Spend the morning birdwatching in Longcanggou before driving back to Chengdu. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to explore the city of Chengdu before departing.