How to Plan Sichuan Bird-Watching Tour

How to Plan Sichuan Bird-Watching Tour

Sichuan, located in the west of China, is home to diverse natural landscapes and a wide variety of bird species. Its unique topography, ranging from the Sichuan Basin at 400 meters to the towering mountains of the Tibetan Plateau over 6000 meters, creates ideal habitats for many bird species. The combination of Sichuan’s diverse landscapes and distinct four seasons makes it an excellent destination for bird watching. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to plan your bird-watching tour in Sichuan.

1. Research and Choose Your Destinations

Sichuan is rich in bird-watching opportunities, offering numerous spots to observe a variety of species. Here are some key locations to consider:

Chengdu

Known for its rich bird diversity, Chengdu is home to around 516 bird species across 80 families and 21 orders.

Longcanggou

A scenic area perfect for bird enthusiasts looking to explore different bird habitats.

Wawu Mountain

Known for its unique avian life, this location offers stunning bird-watching opportunities.

Balangshan

Enjoy bird-watching in the morning, followed by a trip to Mt. Wawu in the afternoon.

Zoige

A picturesque region with abundant bird species.

Songpan

A place to explore natural beauty and various bird habitats.

Hailuogou

Experience bird-watching in a stunning landscape with glaciers and forests.

2. Choose the Duration of Your Tour

Determine how much time you have for your bird-watching adventure. You can opt for a short day trip to Chengdu or take a multi-day tour to explore several bird-watching hotspots in Sichuan.

3. Select a Tour Operator or Plan It Yourself

You can either:

Join an organized bird-watching tour: Look for tour operators who specialize in bird-watching and have experienced guides.
Plan your own itinerary: If you prefer more flexibility, plan your trip independently. However, be sure to research each bird-watching site in detail.

4. Consider the Best Time to Visit

Sichuan’s climate varies significantly due to its diverse geography. Consider the best seasons for bird-watching:

Winter

Ideal for observing migratory birds during the relatively warm winters in Sichuan.

Spring and Autumn

Perfect for spotting both resident and migratory species.

Summer

Explore lush green landscapes and vibrant bird habitats.

5. Accommodations and Logistics

Book Accommodations: Reserve lodging near your chosen bird-watching spots for convenience.
Arrange Transportation: Depending on your chosen locations, arrange transportation (private car, guided tours, or public transport).

6. Pack Essentials

For a successful bird-watching trip, make sure to pack:

Binoculars: To spot distant birds.
Field guidebooks: To accurately identify bird species.
Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear: Essential for outdoor exploration.
Water, snacks, and insect repellent: Stay hydrated and protected during your bird-watching activities.

7. Hire a Local Guide or Join a Guided Tour

Consider hiring a local birding guide who knows the area well. Guides can take you to the best birding spots and provide insights into the local species.

8. Respect Wildlife and the Environment

While bird-watching, always:

Maintain a safe distance from birds to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Follow ethical bird-watching practices and adhere to local park and reserve rules.

9. Enjoy the Experience

Bird-watching is about more than ticking off species—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Remember to:

Take photos to capture the beauty of the birds and landscapes.
Appreciate the environment and wildlife during your journey.

Itinerary of Sichuan Birding Tours

Chengdu Bird-Watching Tour – 1 Day

Price: Upon inquiry
Destinations Visited: Chengdu
Tour Highlights: Explore the bird diversity in Chengdu, with 516 species recorded across 80 families. Chengdu’s location on the boundary of different climate zones provides opportunities to spot both migratory and resident species.

Popular Sichuan Bird-Watching Tours

Here are some of the most popular bird-watching tours in Sichuan:

Balangshan and Mt. Wawu 7 Days Bird Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu and travel to Balangshan (Wolong)
Day 2-3: Bird-watching at Balangshan
Day 4: Morning bird-watching at Balangshan, then travel to Mt. Wawu
Day 5-6: Bird-watching at Mt. Wawu
Day 7: Morning bird-watching at Mt. Wawu, return to Chengdu and depart

Northern Sichuan Bird Tour: Songpan and Zoige – 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu, travel to Mengtun
Day 2: Bird-watching at Mengtun
Day 3: Drive to Songpan
Day 4: Bird-watching at Songpan
Day 5: Drive to Zoige
Day 6: Explore Zoige Flower Lake
Day 7: Zoige Forest bird-watching
Day 8: Return to Chengdu

Mt. Wawu and Hailuogou Bird Tour – 6 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu, travel to Mt. Wawu
Day 2-3: Bird-watching at Mt. Wawu
Day 4: Drive to Luding for bird-watching at Erlangshan, then continue to Hailuogou
Day 5: Bird-watching at Hailuogou
Day 6: Return to Chengdu

Bird-Watching Travel Guide

As of 2022, Sichuan is home to 757 bird species, which is nearly half of the total bird species found in China. The province is part of the upper Yangtze River, a significant natural protection area in China. Sichuan is recognized for its 46 Important Bird Areas (IBA), such as Sershul, Zoige, Jiuzhaigou, and Balangshan. Awareness of bird protection has been growing, and many sites in Sichuan are now part of conservation efforts.

Sichuan offers a remarkable birding experience for both beginner and seasoned bird watchers. With its diverse habitats and abundant species, it’s the perfect place to observe wildlife in all its beauty. So pack your binoculars, bring your enthusiasm, and enjoy an unforgettable bird-watching adventure!

Itinerary of Sichuan Birding Tours:

Chengdu Bird-Watching Tour – 1 Day
Price: upon inquiry

Destinations Visited: Chengdu

Departure: Private Tour / Flexible Date

Highlights of this Tour
This is a one-day bird-watching tour in Chengdu. Sichuan is the bordering area of different climate zones in China. It has relatively warm winter where you see migrate birds in cold seasons. According to the latest record, Chengdu has total 516 species of birds in 80 families in 21 orders. It has taken up around 35% of total recorded bird species in China. West of Sichuan has one of the biggest elevation differences that is home to different kind of birds.

Sichuan Bird-watching Tours
We also have below the most popular bird-watching trip plans including Longcanggou, Wawu Mountain, Balangshan, Zoige, Songpan and Hailuogou. Please send your inquiry.

Balangshan and Mt. Wawu 7 Days Bird Tour
Day01 Chengdu arrival and set out for Balang, arrive Wolong
Day02 Balangshan Bird-watch
Day03 Balangshan Bird-watch
Day04 Balangshan in the morning and then drive to Mt. Wawu in the afternoon
Day05 Mt. Wawu Bird-watch
Day06 Mt. Wawu Bird-watch
Day07 Mt. Wawu in the morning and drive back to Chengdu and send to airport
Northern Sichuan Bird Tour: Songpan and Zoige – 8 Days
Day01 Chengdu arrival and drive to Mengtun
Day02 Mengtun Bird-watch
Day03 Mengtun and drive to Songpan
Day04 Songpan Bird-watch
Day05 Songpan and drive to Zoige
Day06 Zoige Flower Lake
Day07 Zoige Forest and drive back to Songpan
Day08 Songpan drive back to Chengdu and send to airport
Mt.Wawu and Hailuogou Bird Tour – 6 Days
Day01 Chengdu arrival and drive to Mt. Wawu
Day02 Mt. Wawu Bird-watch
Day03 Mt. Wawu Bird-watch
Day04 Mt. Wawu drive to Luding, bird-watch by Erlangshan, then drive to Hailuogou
Day05 Hailuogou bird-watch
Day06 Drive back to Chengdu and send to airport
Bird-Watching Travel Guide
Up until 2022 there are recorded 757 spieces of birds in Sichuan. It is half of the number of spieces found in China. Sichuan is located by the upper part of Yangtze River, a major super-size natural protection place in China. There are total 46 sites of “Important Bird Area” in Sichuan Provice alone including Sershul, Zoige, Jiuzhaigou, Emei, Balangshan, Erlangshan, Mengbishan, Wawushan, Muli, etc. Awareness of bird protection has been rising through years.