3 Days Guizhou Caohai Lake Birding Tour Experience from Kunming

As a bird enthusiast, I was thrilled to experience the stunning birdlife at Caohai Lake, one of China’s most famous birdwatching destinations. Located in Weining County, Guizhou Province, this national nature reserve is home to thousands of migratory birds, including the rare black-necked cranes. In this travel blog, I’ll take you through my 3-day adventure exploring Caohai Lake and its surrounding areas, filled with birdwatching moments, local culture, and scenic beauty.

Day 1: Journey to Caohai Lake

Departure from Chongqing

On February 20, 2015, the second day of the lunar new year, we left Chongqing early in the morning. Our destination: Caohai Lake, a paradise for birdwatchers in Weining County, Guizhou Province. Situated more than 500 kilometers away, the journey would take us through winding mountain roads and scenic countryside, but we were ready for the adventure.

The Scenic Route to Weining County

Our journey began at 8:00 AM from Chongqing. We made a brief stop in Tongzi County, Guizhou, at around 10:00 AM to refuel. By the time we reached Bijie City at 1:00 PM, we were starving but struggled to find a decent restaurant. The search for food was fruitless, and we eventually pressed on, reaching Weining County at around 2:30 PM.

Arrival at Langyu Caohai Lake Hotel

After a long day of driving, we finally arrived at the Langyu Caohai Lake hotel, situated near the Jiangwan Pier (江湾码头) on the western side of the lake. The hotel was touted as the best in the area, and its prime location meant that we were just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Caohai Lake. The lake’s shimmering waters were visible from the hotel’s southern side.

After settling in and resting for a bit, we set out to explore the area by 4:00 PM. The primary goal of our visit was birdwatching, especially observing the black-necked cranes, which migrate to Caohai Lake every winter.

First Attempts at Birdwatching

We were told by the hotel staff that this year’s unusually warm winter had led to fewer bird sightings. The Jiangwan Pier, once a popular birdwatching location, had seen fewer cranes. However, we didn’t let this deter us. We called the birdwatching guide listed on the Caohai Lake website but were told that all the guides were on holiday.

Instead, we decided to explore nearby areas on our own. Following the advice of locals, we drove west along the lake for about 3 kilometers. Locals were offering boat rides, and we soon realized that we had arrived at Yinlong Village (银龙村), a known birdwatching spot. We hopped onto a boat, which took us to a small island on the lake.

Though we were hoping to see birds return to the island at sunset, we had no luck. Instead, we enjoyed a peaceful boat tour of the lake and took in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water. Sometimes, the beauty of nature can be just as fulfilling as a successful birdwatching session!

Day 2: Birdwatching in Yinlong Village and Huyelin Platform

Early Morning at Yinlong Village

The following morning, on February 21, 2015, I woke up at 5:00 AM, eager to catch the first light and the arrival of the birds. By 6:00 AM, I was at Yinlong Village, where we had arranged to meet the boatman for an early morning birdwatching session. However, upon arriving, the boatman informed us that he hadn’t heard any bird songs the previous night. Despite this, he suggested we head to the Huyelin birdwatching platform (胡叶林), a well-known spot at Caohai Lake.

Birdwatching at Huyelin Platform

Huyelin is one of the most famous birdwatching locations at Caohai Lake. While the weather was cloudy, we still managed to catch a glimpse of the black-necked cranes with the help of a telephoto lens. Although it was challenging to capture the birds clearly, I managed to take a few candid shots when they flew overhead. It wasn’t perfect, but it was still an incredible experience to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Exploring Other Birdwatching Points

After a quick rest back at the hotel, we set out again around 11:00 AM to explore other birdwatching spots in the area. We drove along the lake, passing by the Xihai Pier (西海码头), a popular spot for flower viewing and boating during the summer months. The pier is the largest standardized one at Caohai Lake, with boat rides priced at 120 yuan for the upper reaches, 240 yuan for the middle reaches, and 360 yuan for the lower reaches.

We didn’t stop at the pier, as we were looking for more birdwatching opportunities. Following the advice of locals, we made our way to Caohai Village (草海村白家嘴子), another birding spot on the lakeside. Here, we spotted three black-necked cranes and a few ruddy shelducks in the farmland below the observation deck. The highlight was a heron perched on a tree in the village. It felt like a true birdwatcher’s paradise.

Evening Birdwatching at Huyelin

By 5:30 PM, I couldn’t resist heading back to Huyelin for another round of birdwatching. This time, I was not disappointed. Although the birds were still at a distance, I was able to capture some decent shots as they flew closer. Unfortunately, other tourists and photographers began to approach the birds, causing the flock to move farther away. Despite this, it was still a thrilling experience to see the birds in flight.

Day 3: Final Birdwatching and Departure

A Beautiful Morning at Caohai Lake

On the morning of February 23, 2015, the weather was much better than the previous day. However, the birds seemed to be further away, possibly due to the disturbance from the previous evening’s visitors. I decided to drive along the lake, hoping to catch a glimpse of the birds. Suddenly, the clouds parted, and the sun’s rays scattered across the water, creating a breathtaking scene. I stopped to take in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the lake.

A Surprising Encounter

Instead of heading straight back to the hotel, I decided to take a detour through Xingfu Town (幸福小镇) in Yinlong Village. Driving along the lakeside road, I unexpectedly spotted a black-necked crane by the side of the road. It was a pleasant surprise, and I quickly pulled over to take a photo. It felt like the perfect way to end my birdwatching experience at Caohai Lake.

Returning to Chongqing

After returning to the hotel for breakfast and checking out, I refueled and hit the highway for the drive back to Chongqing. The road was smooth, and I arrived back in Chongqing by 5:00 PM, concluding a memorable and rewarding trip to Caohai Lake.

Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a nature lover seeking peace and beauty, Caohai Lake offers a unique and fulfilling experience. While the weather and bird sightings can be unpredictable, the serene landscapes and the joy of exploring new areas make it a trip worth taking.