Birdwatching in Yunnan, China

Your Bestecotours guide will meet you at the airport upon your arrival, marking the start of your 14-day birdwatching adventure in Yunnan, China. Kunming is the provincial capital of Yunnan.

Yunnan boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, favourable climatic conditions and varied topography, resulting in exceptional biodiversity and serving as a habitat for numerous protected wild plants and animals. We will explore this in depth.

If there is sufficient time in the afternoon, the tour leader will take you on a birdwatching excursion within Kunming city. We will also treat you to a taste of Yunnan’s specialities; the rich local flavour is sure to provide a wonderful experience.

Following dinner, a pre-trip briefing will be held. The Bestecotours tour leader will provide a detailed overview of the entire itinerary.

Kunming marks the start of our birding trip. First, we will explore the areas surrounding Kunming, with target species including the Upland Pipit, Striped Prinia, Chestnut-eared Bunting, Spectacled Fulvetta, Vinaceous Rosefinch and Black-headed Greenfinch.

We drive to Chuxiong.

Early in the morning, before the forest had fully awakened, we set off for Zixishan Nature Reserve. The reserve is primarily dedicated to protecting subtropical semi-humid evergreen broad-leaved forests and Yunnan pine ecosystems, providing an ideal habitat for numerous nuthatch species and birds endemic to the south-western region. Surveys indicate that over 170 species of birds inhabit the Zixi Mountain Nature Reserve. Among them, the Giant Nuthatch and the Yunnan Nuthatch are the most distinctive star species.

On this trip, you will have the opportunity to observe three types of birds active on tree trunks—the Bar-tailed Treecreeper, woodpeckers and the little-known nuthatches—each with their own unique climbing techniques.

Other bird species, such as the Ultramarine Flycatcher, Brown Bullfinch, Oriental Cuckooshrike, Grey-winged Blackbird, Chinese Thrush, White-Throated Laughingthrush, Black-headed Sibia, Black-browed Fulvetta, Rusty-capped Fulvetta and Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, are also among our observation targets. We also frequently witness flocks of willow warblers and titmice here, which are naturally often interspersed with highly distinctive bird species.

After our tour of Zixi Mountain, we shall proceed to Laojun Mountain, a birding paradise that is the dream destination of many birdwatchers. Laojun Mountain is truly an ideal habitat for birds, home to numerous species rarely seen elsewhere, such as the White-speckled Laughingthrush and Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant.

China harbors a mysterious and rarely seen bird—the White-speckled Laughingthrush, inhabiting spruce and fir forests. Due to ecological habitat destruction, their traces vanished for extended periods, and only in recent years have we had opportunities to observe this rare species again in several areas.

We will have the chance to get up close to the White-speckled Laughingthrush, which will be a highlight of our trip.

At Laojun Mountain, we will also encounter the Black-faced Laughingthrush, Spectacled Fulvetta, Manipur Fulvetta, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Spotted Laughingthrush, White-browed Bush Robin, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Indian Blue Robin, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Brown Bullfinch, Moustached Laughingthrush and Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant. Among these, Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant and the White-bellied Woodpecker are the star species and rare birds of our trip.

We will travel from Laojun Mountain to Dali Old Town. Dali is a Ming Dynasty town built amidst mountains and water, which has retained much of its historical character. It is home to the Bai ethnic minority; as the backbone of the Nanzhao Kingdom, the Bai people still constitute the majority of the population in Dali and the surrounding villages.

In China, it is widely believed that Dali’s slow pace of life and beautiful scenery can soothe and heal the soul. Consequently, Dali is regarded as a romantic tourist destination. Many Chinese from the cities, and even Westerners, have come here to settle.

Your hotel, situated at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, is steeped in local charm. Here, we shall enjoy two days of a holiday steeped in the rich local atmosphere. The rooms are adorned with Bai embroidery, and you will be able to sample traditional Bai cuisine as afternoon tea.

In Dali, we will visit two iconic nature parks for birdwatching. In the morning, we will head to the Cangshan Nature Reserve. Cangshan features a striking elevation gradient, with a vertical difference of up to 2,000 metres, offering a clear view of the vegetation communities at different altitudes. From low-altitude scrub and evergreen broad-leaved forests, to arrow bamboo and coniferous forests on the mid-slopes, and finally to rhododendron forests at the summit, this diverse range of habitats provides an ideal home for the unique species of the Hengduan Mountains. Target bird species include the Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler, Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Golden Bush Robin, Golden-naped Finch, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Sharpe’s Rosefinch, Black-faced Laughingthrush and White-browed Fulvetta. If we are lucky, we may even spot Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, a rare bird endemic to high-altitude regions.

Cycling is the best way to experience Dali. In the afternoon, led by our guide, we will cycle along the shores of Erhai Lake, where you will see fishermen using cormorants to catch fish, ancient Bai ethnic villages and wheat fields. At Erhai Moon Wetland Park, we will seek out the distinctive waterbirds found around Dali. Among them, the Purple Swamphen is a real star attraction. Although the Purple Swamphen is scarce across China, it is relatively easy to spot in the Erhai area. In addition, we will be on the lookout for two other distinctive species: the Cinnamon Bittern and the Clamorous Reed Warbler.

Afterwards, your guide will lead you to the multi-ethnic Old Town of Dali. There, you can learn the ancient art of tie-dyeing from Bai elders, using indigo dye, wooden sticks and rubber bands to create striking patterns on white cotton fabric. You will also have the opportunity to experience the traditional Bai tea ceremony, which uses three types of tea to symbolise the three stages of life.

People from various ethnic communities in the surrounding mountainous areas gather at Dali’s markets to buy and sell agricultural produce and handicrafts. I will be visiting the Baihualing Nature Reserve on Gaoligong Mountain.

The Gaoligong Mountains preserve the world’s only intact transition zone from humid tropical to temperate forests. Recognised globally as one of the regions with the richest biodiversity, it is hailed as the ‘world’s gene bank’ and a ‘sanctuary of life’. Situated on the eastern foothills of the Gaoligong Mountains, Baihualing resembles a garden of Eden and is widely acclaimed within the birding community as the ‘Golden Triangle’ of international birdwatching, enjoying a reputation that extends far and wide. To date, approximately 525 bird species have been recorded in the area, accounting for 43.3% of Yunnan Province’s total bird population, with around 40 of these classified as nationally protected endangered species. Furthermore, Baihualing Village has established China’s first Farmers’ Biodiversity Conservation Association, a development of significant importance for ecological conservation.

Over the course of two days, we will explore rare bird species in a variety of habitats, including the Scarlet Finch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-throated Partridge, Streaked Spiderhunter, Spot-throated Babbler, Whiskered Yuhina, David’s Fulvetta, Rusty-capped Fulvetta, White-bellied Erpornis, Black-headed Sibia, Long-tailed Sibia, Beautiful Sibia, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, White-browed Shrike-babbler, White-bellied Redstart, Rufous-capped Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Golden Babbler, Flavescent Bulbul, Striated Bulbul, Crested Finchbill, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Necklaced Woodpecker, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Greater Yellownape, Golden-throated Barbet, Bay Woodpecker, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Assam Laughingthrush, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Scarlet-faced Liocichla, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Small Niltava, Large Niltava, Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, Black-breasted Thrush, Orange-headed Thrush, Eyebrowed Thrush, Long-tailed Thrush, White’s Thrush, Grey Bush Chat, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, White-throated Fantail, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Grey-bellied Tesia, Mountain Tailorbird, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Green-crowned Warbler, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Black-throated Sunbird, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Collared Scops Owl, Oriental Scops Owl, etc.,

In the morning, we will continue birdwatching at Baohualing, whilst also filling in any gaps to complete our target list of bird species.

Tengchong is our next destination. En route, we will stop for a break and a meal at a coffee plantation. Yunnan’s Arabica coffee is renowned both at home and abroad; at this estate, which grows both coffee and fruit, we will learn about the entire process and, finally, have the opportunity to sample Baoshan coffee.

Tengchong lies on the boundary where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates collide. Intense geological activity has created stunning natural landscapes—99 young volcanoes lie dormant, whilst underground water has formed hot springs that dot the streets and alleys. Furthermore, this was a key hub on the ancient Silk Road, and the area is home to numerous ancient ruins. We shall stroll along ancient streets lined with ginkgo trees, sample Tengchong’s specialities such as steamed chicken in a clay pot, and enjoy the region’s delightful hot spring experience.

Tengchong is not only a beautiful and romantic city, but also an excellent birding destination. We are heading to Laifeng Mountain National Forest Park in Tengchong, which is also the oldest of Tengchong’s many volcanoes. Here, we will be looking for the Black-headed Greenfinch, Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, White-browed Shrike-babbler, Slender-billed Oriole, Whiskered Yuhina, Little Pied Flycatcher, Black-headed Sibia, Tibetan Serin, Blue-winged Minla, Silver-eared Mesia, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Great Barbet, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Black Drongo, Blue-fronted Redstart, Taiga Flycatcher, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Indian White-eye, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Red-tailed Minla and many more.

We will travel to the border town of Nabang, and en route we will look for the River Tern, a very rare bird in China. Other bird species along the way include the Alexandrine Parakeet, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Asian Green Bee-eater, Collared Myna and River Lapwing.

Naban borders Myanmar and is characterised by dense forests and criss-crossing river valleys, forming a typical river valley basin. A total of 272 bird species have been recorded in Naban. The region’s farmlands are a treasure trove for birdwatchers; every winter, the Wire-tailed Swallow migrates here. During the winter months, other distinctive bird species recorded in the area include the Indian Pied Myna, Burmese Myna, Collared Myna, Red-wattled Lapwing, River Lapwing, Black-backed Forktail and Alexandrine Parakeet. Here, we will seek out the Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Western Hooded Pitta, Great Myna, Burmese Myna, Indian Pied Myna, Collared Myna, Indian Pond Heron, Asian Green Bee-eater, Streaked Weaver, Baya Weaver, Thick-billed Warbler, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Chestnut-tailed Starling, River Lapwing, River Lapwing, Ibisbill, Green Sandpiper, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Crow-billed Drongo, Pied Kingfisher, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Hill Prinia, Striated Grassbird, Grey-breasted Prinia, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Ornate Sunbird, etc.

In the evening, we will go on a night-time birdwatching excursion in search of the Large-tailed Nightjar.                        

In the morning, we will continue searching for target species near Naban, before continuing our journey to Yingjiang for birdwatching.

In Yingjiang, our targets for today include various flycatchers, shrikes and pheasants. In the afternoon, we will look for various birds of prey, and in the evening we will search for the Great Slaty Woodpecker, Spot-bellied Scops Owl, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Brown Boobook, Oriental Bay Owl, Eastern Barn Owl, Brown Wood Owl, Bengal Slow Loris and others (Itinerary subject to change based on real-time bird sightings)

The Hongbeng River area of the Tongbiguan Nature Reserve is a typical seasonal rainforest with an exceptionally rich avian fauna. Among the many bird species found there, the Grey Peacock-Pheasant is one of the most striking, whilst Hodgson’s Frogmouth is the most adept at camouflage, often making itself look like a tree trunk.

In the Tongbiguan Nature Reserve, in the south-west of Yingjiang County, there is a unique community of residents with bony crests on their heads: the Great Hornbill, the Wreathed Hornbill and the Oriental Pied Hornbill. They create a scene of love within the rainforest—fleeting yet enchanting. With relatively intact hornbill habitats and stable populations, this is the ideal place to observe hornbills.

After our birdwatching session in Hornbill Valley, we will head to Ruili. Ruili is a bustling border town, renowned for its jade market and its resplendent Dai-style architecture.

In Ruili, five species of parakeet attract particular attention: the Alexandrine Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Grey-headed Parakeet and Red-breasted Parakeet. Flocks of parakeets gather here, and every autumn they create a rare ‘parakeet shower’, a truly spectacular sight.

In a tranquil village in Ruili, you will have the rare opportunity to spot the Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush. At Longmo Lake Wetland Park, situated to the west of Ruili City, thousands of waterbirds of various species alight on the small islands within the lake, creating a truly magnificent spectacle. Dozens of species of wild birds inhabit this area, including the Little Cormorant, Asian Openbill, Dark-sided Thrush, Indian Spot-billed Duck and Ruddy Shelduck.

Later in the day, we shall check into a Dai-style hotel, where you can fully enjoy the soothing benefits of the hot springs. The tour guide will lead you to the ancient town of Ruili, steeped in South Asian charm, where you can sample the Dai-style delicacy known as the ‘Peacock Banquet’. Furthermore, we shall visit the Zongfo Temple, with its thousand-year history, and the Guanghe Han Dai Royal Palace of the ancient Mengmao Kingdom.

We’ll head to the small border town of Mangshi to visit the endangered Shan Langur, which inhabits the tropical rainforests there. Upon arrival at Mangshi Airport, our Yunnan eco-tour will come to a successful conclusion!