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Sichuan Province is home to some of China's finest and most rewarding birding hotspots. Our exploration will take us into pristine and remote regions, offering opportunities to observe many special breeding residents. The habitats we will traverse include moss-draped broadleaf and coniferous forests, extensive hillside bamboo groves, vast alpine meadows, and the scrubby slopes of the Tibetan Plateau. This stunning scenery promises panoramic views throughout the tour. Pheasants are a significant focus, and we will actively seek out an impressive fifteen species, including White Eared Pheasant, Blue Eared Pheasant, Golden Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Temminck’s Tragopan, Chinese Monal, Tibetan Partridge, Snow Partridge, Verreaux’s Monal-Partridge, Chinese Grouse, and Tibetan Snowcock. In addition to pheasants, the area supports an exciting range of other species. We will aim to find ten types of parrotbills, including Great Parrotbill, Three-toed Parrotbill, Spectacled Parrotbill, Ashy-throated Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, and Golden Parrotbill. Other notable species include the rare Pere David’s Owl, Wallcreeper, and Snow Pigeon. We will also be on the lookout for the stately Black-necked Crane, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, and the range-restricted Emei Shan Liocichla. Further, we will search for Pere David’s Tit, the recently described Sichuan Treecreeper, and the spectacular Firethroat. Observations may also include White-browed Tit-Warbler, Crested Tit-Warbler, and the endemic Przevalski’s Finch. Other birds that may cross our path include Przevalski’s Nuthatch, Chinese Nuthatch, Sichuan Jay, the stunning Grandala, and various laughingthrushes, warblers, snowfinches, and rosefinches. Alongside remarkable birding opportunities, this region is rich in fascinating culture and dramatic landscapes, making it a truly memorable destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Yunnan Province, located in southwestern China, has recorded over 770 bird species, making it the richest region in China for avian diversity. The province features several species that are restricted to this area of southern China, neighboring northern Myanmar, and remote northeastern India. Yunnan's climate is varied, ranging from warm subtropical forests in the hills and lowlands to cool temperate forests in higher mountains. The region is home to a variety of notable birds, including Giant Nuthatch, Yunnan Nuthatch, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Scarlet-faced Liocichla, Chinese Babax, Chinese Thrush, and Black-breasted Thrush. Other species include Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Spectacled Fulvetta, Yunnan Fulvetta, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Brown-winged Parrotbill, Black-headed Greenfinch, Black-headed Sibia, Beautiful Sibia, Chinese Blue Flycatcher, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Godlewski’s Bunting, Black-bibbed Tit, and with some luck, White-speckled Laughingthrush and Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant.

Qinghai, located on the Tibetan Plateau, is a breathtaking destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a multitude of endemic and migratory bird species, Qinghai offers a unique experience for birders of all skill levels. The region's high altitude and pristine natural environment make it an exceptional sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds.

Birding in Eastern China offers a captivating experience for birdwatchers, thanks to its diverse landscapes and rich avian biodiversity. This region encompasses various habitats, including coastal wetlands, lush forests, rolling hills, and expansive rice paddies, making it a haven for a wide array of bird species. Eastern China is particularly renowned for its migratory bird populations, as it lies along critical migratory routes. Coastal areas such as the Yangtze River Delta and Zhejiang Province host important stops for migratory birds, offering opportunities to see a variety of shorebirds and waterfowls. Inland, the forests and mountains of Jiangxi province provide habitats for numerous endemic and specialty species. Birders can spot the stunning Cranes, as well as various tit species and thrushes in the dense foliage. Notably, Mount Emeifeng is famous for diverse birdlife. The blend of urban landscapes and natural reserves in cities such as Shanghai also exemplifies the region's avian diversity. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of common urban birds while exploring parks and waterfronts, providing a contrasting yet enriching birding experience.

Tibet, often referred to as the "Roof of the World," is a birdwatching paradise renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Nestled high in the Himalayas, this unique region boasts a diverse array of habitats ranging from alpine meadows and grasslands to high-altitude lakes and river valleys, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Home to over 500 bird species, Tibet is especially notable for its unique avian inhabitants. The region is a haven for both migratory and endemic birds, with many species adapted to the extreme conditions found in the high-altitude environments. Birdwatchers can expect to observe a variety of fascinating species

Birdwatching in Hainan Island offers a unique opportunity to explore a rich avian paradise set against the backdrop of stunning tropical landscapes. As China’s southernmost province, Hainan is characterized by diverse ecosystems that include lush rainforests, wetlands, coastal areas, and mountainous regions. This incredible variety of habitats supports over 400 bird species, establishing the island as a premier destination for birdwatchers.

The province is home to over 400 species of birds, including several endemics and rare species, offering birdwatchers diverse opportunities to observe avian life. The varied ecosystems range from subtropical forests and limestone hills to rivers and rice paddies, providing habitats for a wide variety of birds. Among the key birdwatching locations in Guangxi are the Nonggang National Nature Reserve, which is particularly noteworthy for its unique bird populations, including the critically the endemic Nonggang Babbler.

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, located in Northwest China, stands as the largest provincial-level administrative area in the country, spanning an impressive 1.66 million square kilometers with borderlines measuring 5,600 kilometers. The region's expansive territory includes several major mountain ranges: the Altai Mountains to the north, the Kunlun and Altun Mountains to the south, and the Tianshan Mountains, which extend from west to east through central Xinjiang. Nestled between these mountain ranges are the vast Junggar and Tarim basins. The glaciers from these mountains provide the headwaters for most of Xinjiang's rivers. Situated far inland, Xinjiang experiences a typical arid temperate continental climate characterized by dry air, abundant sunshine, and an annual precipitation of only 150mm. This dry climate has transformed much of Xinjiang into desert landscape, accounting for two-thirds of China's total desert area. The majority of the region is sparsely populated, creating an ideal habitat for wildlife. Thanks to its expansive landmass, diverse topography, and varying climate conditions, Xinjiang boasts rich biodiversity, The region is home to around 430 recorded bird species, featuring a range of birds from Europe and Central Asia that are not commonly found in other parts of China. This itinerary provides a classic route through Xinjiang, showcasing its unique and endemic bird species. The enigmatic Xinjiang Ground Jay, previously known as Biddulph’s Ground Jay, continues to exist here, though its population is declining due to overgrazing and environmental changes. In the semi-desert regions, birdwatchers may also spot the Great Bustard and McQueen’s Bustard. The Taklamakan Desert's fringes reveal ruins of ancient civilizations. For those interested in the rich history of this region, Peter Hopkirk’s book "Foreign Devils on the Silk Road" provides an intriguing narrative of early 20th-century archaeological findings by foreign explorers in Xinjiang. Xinjiang hosts a diverse Palearctic avifauna, featuring many species that inhabit the eastern limits of their ranges. Colorful birds like the European Bee-eater and European Roller are prime examples. In the far west, the town of Yili houses the former Russian Consulate, now converted into a hotel set among mature trees. Birdwatchers in this area often find Turkestan Tits, while springtime brings the melodious songs of Nightingales and Eurasian Cuckoos. Heaven Lake, situated in the Tien Shan Mountains and about three hours northeast of Urumqi, is surrounded by pines that host Three-toed Woodpeckers, Blue-capped Redstarts, White-winged Redstarts, Black-throated Accentors, and Fire-fronted Serins. To the south of Urumqi, the oases around Turpan provide rich habitats for Azure Tits, Little Owls, and Barred Warblers. The Arjinshan National Nature Reserve, the largest in China, spans 46,000 square kilometers of steppe, desert, and lakes in southeastern Xinjiang. However, it remains remote and lacks developed visitor facilities. Historically, Xinjiang was the site of a significant ornithological discovery in 1929 when Dutch naturalist J.A. Sillem collected specimens of a mountain finch near the Karakoram Pass, initially thought to be an unusual race of the Plain Mountain Finch. In 1992, these specimens were re-evaluated and classified as a distinct species known as Sillem’s Mountain Finch, though live sightings of this bird have not occurred since. Recently, some local birders have reported a breeding population of the endangered White-headed Duck in reservoirs near Urumqi.

Northeastern China, particularly in Inner Mongolia, presents outstanding birdwatching and photography opportunities during winter. This region is known for its diverse owl species, including the Snowy Owl, Ural Owl, Great Grey Owl, and Northern Hawk Owl. Additionally, the area around Hunchun in Jilin Province is a prime location for observing magnificent birds of prey such as the Steller's Sea Eagle and White-tailed Eagle. These majestic raptors add to the rich avifauna of the region, making it a must-visit destination for bird photo enthusiasts.