13 Days Eastern China in Winter

Winter in Southeast China showcases a vibrant selection of unique and localized bird species, highlighted by some of the world's most remarkable cranes. Leading this impressive lineup is the elegant Siberian Crane, recognized as one of the rarest cranes on Earth. Throughout this tour, we will be searching for an exceptional array of remarkable birds, including the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, which has recently been found to winter in this region. Other target species will include the rare Scaly-sided Merganser, large flocks of Swan Geese, Falcated Duck, Baikal Teal, Oriental Stork, Saunders's Gull, Black-faced Spoonbill, Reed Parrotbill, Pied Falconet, Elliot’s Pheasant, and potentially the elusive Swinhoe’s Crake.
ITINERARY

Day 1 : Arrival in Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai on an international flight. Depending on your arrival time, we may arrange a drive to Nanhui or some suburban parks in Shanghai to look for common species such as thrushes and bulbuls.

Night in Shanghai.



Day 2 : Shanghai-Yancheng

Travel from Shanghai to Yancheng, which takes about 4 hours. We may stop along the way to check small lakes and ponds for wintering duck species. In the afternoon, we will go birding in Yancheng, targeting species like Red-crowned Crane, Oriental Stork, Reed Parrotbills, Pallas's Reed Bunting, and other wintering buntings.

Night at the nearby town.



Day 3 : Yancheng-Wuyuan

In the morning, we will birdwatch once more in Yancheng, focusing on cranes and storks. Afterward, we will drive back to Shanghai and take the evening high-speed train to Wuyuan. You will spend the night in Wuyuan.

Night in Wuyuan.



Day 4 : Birding in Wuyuan

Full day of birding in Wuyuan, with main target species including Pied Falconet, Scaly-sided Merganser, Short-tailed Parrotbill, Long-billed Plover, Yellow-browed Bunting, and Spotted Elachura, among many other notable species. You will spend the night in Wuyuan.

Night in Wuyuan



Day 5 : Wuyuan-Emeifeng

Birdwatching in the morning, then drive to Emeifeng and arrive in the evening.

Night at Emeifeng.


Day 6 : Birding at Emeifeng

Spend the day birdwatching at Emeifeng, focusing on species such as Cabot's Tragopan, Elliot's Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, White-necklaced Partridge, Buffy Laughingthrush, Grey-sided Scimitar-Babbler, and Indochinese Yuhina, as well as Huet's Fulvetta and many other Southeast China species.

Night at Emeifeng.



Day 7 : Birding at Emeifeng

Another full day of birdwatching at Emeifeng to seek additional sightings. Target more Cabot's Tragopan, Elliot's Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, White-necklaced Partridge, Buffy Laughingthrush, Grey-sided Scimitar-Babbler, and Indochinese Yuhina, along with Huet's Fulvetta and other notable species found in the region.

Night at Emeifeng.



Day 8 : Emeifeng- Nanchang

After the last morning of birdwatching at Emeifeng, drive to Nanchang near Poyang Lake and reach Nanchang in the evening.  

Night in Nanchang.



Day 9 : Birding at Poyang lake

Birdwatch at Poyang Lake, looking for Siberian Crane, White-naped Crane, Eurasian Crane, Hooded Crane, Baer's Pochard, Baikal Teal, Swan Goose, Taiga and Tundra Bean Goose, Greater and Lesser White-fronted Goose, Oriental Stork, Chinese Penduline Tit, Japanese Swamp Warbler (Marsh Grassbird), and Chinese Grey Shrike, among many other notable wetland species.



Day 10 : Poyang lake birding

Another full day at Poyang Lake to observe similar target species, including Siberian Crane, White-naped Crane, Eurasian Crane, Hooded Crane, Baer's Pochard, Baikal Teal, Swan Goose, Taiga and Tundra Bean Goose, Greater and Lesser White-fronted Goose, Oriental Stork, Chinese Penduline Tit, Japanese Swamp Warbler (Marsh Grassbird), and Chinese Grey Shrike, along with many other good wetland species. 

Night nearby Poyang lake.


Day 11 : Poyang lake- Dongzhai

Enjoy a few hours at Poyang Lake for one last chance to see the cranes, then drive to Dongzhai in the early afternoon. You will spend the night in Dongzhai.

Night at Dongzhai.



Day 12 : Birding at Dongzhai

Birdwatching in Dongzhai, focusing on species such as Reeve's Pheasant, Crested Ibis, Collared Crow, various species of buntings, Crested Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Tit, and Silver-throated Bushtit. 

Night at Dongzhai.



Day 13 : Dongzhai departure

Take advantage of your last morning for birdwatching in Dongzhai. In the afternoon, return to Shanghai by train and prepare for your night flight out of Shanghai.