The Most Popular Places for Birding Tours in China

China offers a wealth of birdwatching opportunities, with diverse landscapes ranging from wetlands and lakes to forests and mountains. From the bustling coastal wetlands to the serene, high-altitude lakes, the country is home to a wide variety of migratory and endemic bird species, making it a prime destination for birding enthusiasts. Some of the best birding locations include Qinghai Lake (青海湖) in the northwest, famous for its large populations of migratory birds, and the Shahu Wetland (沙湖) in Ningxia, known for its rich avian life.

The southwest regions, such as Guizhou and Yunnan, are also renowned for their rich biodiversity, offering sightings of unique species in places like Chishui (赤水) and Baoshan (保山). In Hainan, the tropical climate and unique habitats provide an excellent environment for both endemic and migratory species, with highlights including the Hainan peacock-pheasant (海南孔雀雉). For those interested in coastal birding, the Shankou Mangrove Reserve (山口红树林国家级自然保护区) in Guangxi offers a glimpse of rare species like the spoon-billed sandpiper (勺嘴鹬) in a unique wetland setting.

With birding hotspots scattered across the country, China presents an extraordinary range of experiences, from the frigid highlands of Qinghai to the lush rainforests of Hainan. Whether you're seeking the thrill of spotting migratory waterfowl along the coasts or the serenity of birdwatching in mountainous landscapes, China is a must-visit destination for birding tours.

Beijing

Yeyahu Wetland Nature Reserve (北京野鸭湖湿地自然保护区)

Located at the confluence of the Guanting Reservoir (官厅水库) and the Guishui River (妫水河), the Yeyahu Wetland Nature Reserve is Beijing's largest wetland reserve. It serves as a stopover on the East Asia-Australasia migration route for migratory birds. Common species include pheasants, mallards, northern pintails, gray cranes, and more. The best birding seasons are during the spring and autumn migration periods and the wintering season.

Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park (北京市翠湖国家城市湿地公园)

This park features a variety of habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, providing ideal conditions for bird species to breed and inhabit. It is the largest natural breeding site in Beijing for wild geese, herons, and cormorants. Common species seen include gray herons (苍鹭), little egrets (小白鹭), night herons (夜鹭), and moorhens (黑水鸡).

Shanghai

Dongtan Wetland Park (上海东滩湿地公园)

As Shanghai’s first UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Dongtan Wetland Park is home to 364 species of wild birds, including 20 national-level protected species and 62 second-level protected species. The wooden boardwalks allow visitors to explore the wetland, and the Bird Watching Tower offers a prime viewing spot. The best birding season is from November to March.

Nanhui Dongtan Wetland (上海南汇东滩湿地)

Located at the southern mouth of the Yangtze River (长江), this area is a vital stop for migratory birds. A total of 222 species of birds have been recorded here. Strolling along the coastal embankments, visitors can witness the spectacular sight of flocks of birds in flight. The best birding season is from December to February.

Hebei

Pigeon Nest Park (秦皇岛鸽子窝公园)

With its rocky shores, wetlands, and wooded areas, Pigeon Nest Park is an ideal habitat for birds and is renowned as a world-class bird-watching destination. Over 400 species of birds can be observed here throughout the year. The best birding periods are from mid-March to late May and from early September to mid-November.

Baiyangdian (白洋淀)

As the largest freshwater lake on the North China Plain (华北平原), Baiyangdian is the most typical and representative inland lake wetland in northern China. It is home to numerous bird species, including egrets (白鹭), herons (苍鹭), and night herons (夜鹭). The best birding times are April to May and October to December.

Shanxi

Yuncheng Salt Lake (山西运城盐湖)

As one of the world’s three major sodium sulfate-type inland salt lakes, Yuncheng Salt Lake attracts large numbers of birds, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. Common species include swans (天鹅), egrets (白鹭), and gray cranes (灰鹤). The best birding seasons are from March to May and September to November.

Changzhi Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park (长治漳泽湖国家城市湿地公园)

This is the largest wetland lake in Changzhi City (长治市), often referred to as the "kidney of Changzhi". The park’s extensive reed beds and water areas provide excellent conditions for bird species. Rare birds like black storks (黑鹳) and white spoonbills (白琵鹭) can be observed here. The best birding seasons are year-round, with spring and autumn being the most favorable.

Inner Mongolia

Dalinuoer Lake (达里诺尔湖)

Located in Chifeng City (赤峰市), Dalinuoer Lake is famous for its annual migration of 80,000 swan geese (大天鹅) from Siberia (西伯利亚) in September. The stunning contrast of the grasslands, blue waters, and white swans creates a picturesque landscape. The best birding season is from September to October.

Momo Ge Wetland (莫莫格湿地)

Located at the border of Jilin Province (吉林) and Inner Mongolia (内蒙古), Momo Ge Wetland is a key stopover site for white cranes (白鹤) during their autumn migration. Thousands of cranes can be seen here, making it a sight to behold. The best birding seasons are from April to May and September to October.

Liaoning

Panjin Red Beach (盘锦红海滩)

As a critical stop on the East Asia-Australasia migratory route, Panjin Red Beach is renowned for its autumn spectacle of red seepweed (碱蓬草) covering the tidal flats. The area also hosts large flocks of red-crowned cranes (丹顶鹤) and black-headed gulls (黑嘴鸥). The best birding seasons are from March to April and September to November.

Dalian Laotieshan National Nature Reserve (大连老铁山国家级自然保护区)

Located at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula (辽东半岛), this area is an important migratory passage for birds in northeast Asia. The reserve is a resting and feeding ground for a variety of species, including raptors (猛禽) and other birds of prey. The best birding seasons are from April to May and September to October.

Jilin

Momo Ge Wetland (吉林莫莫格)

Momo Ge Wetland is a key habitat for white cranes (白鹤), where emotional stories of a lone crane guarding its mate have touched many. The best birding seasons are from April to May (spring migration) and September to October (autumn migration).

Xianghai National Nature Reserve (向海国家级自然保护区)

Located in Tongyu County (通榆县), Xianghai National Nature Reserve focuses on the protection of rare birds such as the red-crowned crane (丹顶鹤) and rare plants like the Mongolian yellow ash (蒙古黄榆). The reserve’s diverse ecosystems, including lakes, marshes, and grasslands, make it an excellent birding location. The best birding seasons are during the spring and autumn migrations and the wintering period.

Heilongjiang

Zhalong National Nature Reserve (扎龙国家级自然保护区)

Located in Qiqihar City (齐齐哈尔市), Zhalong National Nature Reserve is the world’s largest reed marsh and the homeland of the red-crowned crane (丹顶鹤). The dense reed beds and lakes provide an ideal habitat for these and other bird species. The best birding seasons are from May to July (breeding season) and September to November (migration season).

Xingkai Lake National Nature Reserve (兴凯湖国家级自然保护区)

Situated in the southeastern part of Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省) near the border with Russia, Xingkai Lake is an important migratory route for birds in Northeast Asia. The expansive lake, wetlands, and grasslands provide shelter for a variety of birds, including swans (天鹅), geese (大雁), and egrets (白鹭). The best birding seasons are from April to May and September to October.

Jiangsu

Yancheng Wetland Rare Bird National Nature Reserve (盐城湿地珍禽国家级自然保护区)

Located along the East Asia-Australasia migratory route, this nature reserve is a key stop for migratory birds. Every year, nearly half of the global population of red-crowned cranes (丹顶鹤) come here to spend the winter. Other species include the Oriental white stork (东方白鹳) and the black stork (黑鹳). The best birding season is from September to March.

Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve (江苏大丰麋鹿国家级自然保护区)

This reserve is not only home to the Milu deer (麋鹿) but also boasts a rich diversity of birdlife. The wetland ecosystem here attracts many migratory birds, making it an excellent bird-watching destination. The best birding seasons are during the spring and autumn migrations and the wintering period.

Zhejiang

Xixi National Wetland Park (杭州西溪国家湿地公园)

As China’s first 5A-level national scenic wetland park, Xixi Wetland Park features rivers, ponds, marshes, and lush vegetation, providing ideal habitats for birds. Common species include egrets (白鹭), night herons (夜鹭), moorhens (黑水鸡), and white-headed bulbuls (白头鹎). The best birding seasons are year-round, with spring and autumn migration periods being particularly active.

Hangzhou Bay National Wetland Park (宁波杭州湾国家湿地公园)

Located on the west side of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge (杭州湾跨海大桥), this wetland park is an important stopover on the East Asia-Australasia migratory route. It is home to vast wetlands, mudflats, and reed beds, attracting large numbers of migratory birds. Rare species such as the black-headed gull (黑嘴鸥), spoon-billed sandpiper (勺嘴鹬), and pelicans (卷羽鹈鹕) can be observed. The best birding season is from October to April.

Anhui

Shengjin Lake National Nature Reserve (升金湖国家级自然保护区)

Located in Chizhou City (池州市), this reserve is famous for being a wintering ground for rare species like the white-naped crane (白头鹤) and Oriental white stork (东方白鹳). Thousands of migratory birds rest and forage here every autumn and winter. The best birding season is from November to March.

Taiping Lake (黄山太平湖)

With its clear waters surrounded by mountains and lush forests, Taiping Lake offers a prime environment for birdlife. Common species include the white pheasant (白鹇), red-billed blue magpie (红嘴蓝鹊), and gray-headed woodpecker (灰喉山椒鸟). The best birding season is year-round, with spring and summer being particularly active for breeding birds.

Fujian

Wuyi Mountain National Park (武夷山国家公园)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Wuyi Mountain is a biodiversity hotspot and one of the most important forest bird-watching spots in southeastern China. Representative bird species include the yellow-bellied tragopan (黄腹角雉), white-necked long-tailed pheasant (白颈长尾雉), and the white-browed partridge (白眉山鹧鸪). The best birding seasons are spring and autumn.

Minjiang Estuary Wetland (闽江口湿地)

As an important stop on the East Asia-Australasia migratory route, the Minjiang Estuary Wetland attracts over 25,000 migratory birds every year. During high tide, flocks of little swans (小天鹅) and black-faced spoonbills (黑脸琵鹭) can be seen. After the tide, species like the whimbrel (白腰杓鹬) and black-bellied plover (黑腹滨鹬) are active in the mudflats. The best birding season is from November to January.

Jiangxi

Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve (鄱阳湖国家级自然保护区)

As China’s largest freshwater lake, Poyang Lake is a world-renowned wintering site for the white crane (白鹤), with more than 95% of the global population wintering here. Other species such as Oriental white storks (东方白鹳), white-headed cranes (白头鹤), and little swans (小天鹅) can also be observed. The best birding season is from November to March.

Wuyuan Forest Bird National Nature Reserve (江西婺源森林鸟类国家级自然保护区)

Home to rare bird species such as the blue-crowned laughingthrush (蓝冠噪鹛), Wuyuan Forest is a great destination for bird enthusiasts. During the summer, colorful species like the blue-crowned laughingthrush can be seen hopping around the trees.

Shandong

Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve (黄河三角洲国家级自然保护区)

Located at the mouth of the Yellow River (黄河), this reserve is a key habitat and stopover for numerous migratory birds. During spring and autumn, millions of birds rest here, with species such as Oriental white storks (东方白鹳), swans (大天鹅), and herons (蓑羽鹤) being commonly observed. The best birding seasons are from April to May and September to November.

Qingdao Zhanqiao (青岛栈桥)

In winter, large flocks of seagulls (海鸥) migrate from Siberia and other regions to Qingdao Zhanqiao for feeding and resting, creating a unique winter spectacle. Visitors can interact with the seagulls and even feed them along the pier. The best birding season is from November to March.

Henan

Dongzhai National Nature Reserve (董寨国家级自然保护区)

Located in Luoshan County (罗山县), Dongzhai Nature Reserve is situated in a transition zone between the subtropical and temperate zones, offering a rich bird diversity. It is one of the primary habitats for the white-crowned long-tailed pheasant (白冠长尾雉). Other species include the blue-throated bee-eater (蓝喉蜂虎) and gray-capped green woodpecker (灰卷尾). The best birding season is year-round, with spring and summer being particularly rich in species.

Sanmenxia Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park (三门峡天鹅湖国家城市湿地公园)

Every winter, thousands of swans (天鹅) migrate to Swan Lake in Sanmenxia (三门峡), creating a stunning sight as they rest on the lake. The best birding season is from November to March.

Hubei

Chenhu Wetland Nature Reserve (沉湖湿地自然保护区)

Located in Caidian District (蔡甸区), Chenhu Wetland is the largest freshwater lake wetland on the eastern edge of the Jianghan Plain (江汉平原). It is an important stop for migratory birds, especially during the winter months. Rare species like the Oriental white stork (东方白鹳), black stork (黑鹳), and little swan (小天鹅) can be seen here. The best birding season is from November to March.

Shennongjia Forestry District (神农架林区)

Located in western Hubei Province (湖北省), Shennongjia is China’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve and is a treasure trove for birdwatchers. It features rich vegetation and significant altitude variation, offering habitats for species such as the golden eagle (金雕), red-bellied pheasant (红腹锦鸡), and blue-throated sunbird (蓝喉太阳鸟). The best birding season is year-round, with spring and summer being particularly active for bird activity.

Hunan

Dongting Lake (洞庭湖)

As the largest reservoir in the Yangtze River Basin (长江流域), Dongting Lake is home to rare birds such as the white crane (白鹤) and little swan (小天鹅) during winter. The sight of thousands of birds on the lake during winter is a breathtaking experience. The best birding season is from November to March.

Dongjiang Lake (东江湖)

Located in the northeast of Chenzhou City (郴州市), Dongjiang Lake is surrounded by forests and is home to a rich variety of bird species, including the Chinese merganser (中华秋沙鸭), egrets (白鹭), and gray-headed woodpeckers (灰头绿啄木鸟). The best birding season is year-round, with spring and autumn being particularly active.

Guangdong

Shenzhen Bay Park (深圳湾公园)

Sharing its coastal wetland with Hong Kong’s Mai Po Nature Reserve (米埔自然保护区), Shenzhen Bay Park serves as a crucial stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds. It is the second-largest wintering site for the endangered black-faced spoonbill (黑脸琵鹭). Other species such as spoon-billed sandpipers (勺嘴鹬) and ospreys (鹗) can be seen here. The best birding season is from October to April.

Danxia Mountain (丹霞山)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Danxia Mountain is renowned for its unique landforms and abundant vegetation, providing various habitats for birds. Species such as the white pheasant (白鹇), red-billed blue magpie (红嘴蓝鹊), and brown-winged cuckoo (褐翅鸦鹃) can be spotted. The best birding season is year-round, with spring and summer being particularly rich in bird species.

Sichuan

Ruoergai Flower Lake (若尔盖花湖)

Located in Aba Tibetan Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (阿坝州), Ruoergai is home to the largest peat bog wetland in China. Every year, from April to July, numerous migratory birds breed here, with species such as the black-necked crane (黑颈鹤), bar-headed goose (斑头雁), and northern pintail (赤麻鸭). The best birding season is from April to July.

Xichang Qiong Lake (西昌邛海)

As the second-largest freshwater lake in Sichuan Province (四川省), Qiong Lake attracts a wide variety of birds, including the grey-headed gull (红嘴鸥), gray herons (苍鹭), and large flocks of migratory birds in winter. The best birding season is year-round, with winter being especially productive.

Guizhou

Weining Caohai (威宁草海)

Known as the Eden of Black-necked Cranes (黑颈鹤), Weining Caohai is the winter home to more than 2,500 black-necked cranes that migrate from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原). The best birding season is from November to March.

Baihua Lake (贵阳百花湖)

Located in Guiyang City (贵阳市), Baihua Lake features numerous islands and rich vegetation, making it an ideal habitat for birds. Species like egrets (白鹭), herons (苍鹭), and night herons (夜鹭) can be spotted here. The best birding season is during the spring and autumn migration periods.

Yunnan

Dianchi Lake, Kunming (昆明滇池)

Every winter, large flocks of black-headed gulls (红嘴鸥) migrate from Siberia (西伯利亚) to Dianchi Lake, feeding and playing on the water, creating a stunning sight in Kunming. Haigeng Dam (海埂大坝) and Haigeng Park (海埂公园) are excellent spots for observing these gulls. The best birding season is from November to March.

Erhai Lake, Dali (大理洱海)

As the second-largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province (云南省), Erhai Lake offers a long shoreline with diverse ecosystems such as wetlands and farmlands, making it rich in birdlife. Birds commonly spotted include egrets (白鹭), herons (苍鹭), and cormorants (普通鸬鹚). Some migratory birds also stop here for the winter. The best birding season is year-round, with winter being the most favorable.

Gaoligong Mountain, Baihualing (高黎贡山百花岭)

Situated in Gaoligong Mountain (高黎贡山), Baihualing (百花岭) is known for its stunning biodiversity, making it a fantastic location for birdwatching. The best season is typically during the spring and autumn migrations.

Xishuangbanna, Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden (西双版纳勐仑热带植物园)

This renowned tropical botanical garden is an excellent birding destination, with various species of tropical birds often spotted here. The area is known for its warm climate and rich biodiversity, making it a must-visit for birding enthusiasts.

Pu’er, Mangba (普洱芒坝)

Mangba (芒坝) in Pu'er (普洱) offers unique opportunities to see parrots and other exotic bird species in their natural habitats. The best birding seasons here are typically spring and autumn.

Yingjiang, World Hornbill Valley (盈江世界犀鸟谷)

World Hornbill Valley (世界犀鸟谷) in Yingjiang (盈江) is home to a significant population of hornbills (犀鸟). This area is perfect for those interested in observing these majestic birds in their natural environment.

Tengchong (腾冲)

Known for its natural beauty and diverse bird species, Tengchong (腾冲) offers great birding experiences, especially in the spring and autumn.

Zhaotong, Dushanbao Black-necked Crane Reserve (昭通大山包黑颈鹤)

Dushanbao (大山包) in Zhaotong (昭通) is famous for its resident black-necked cranes (黑颈鹤), making it an essential destination for crane enthusiasts.

Huize, Nian Lake (曲靖会泽念湖)

Located in Huize (会泽), Nian Lake (念湖) is a serene location with a rich variety of bird species, particularly during migratory seasons.

Chongqing

Caiyun Lake National Wetland Park (重庆彩云湖国家湿地公园)

This national wetland park is one of the first in China and features a unique "three-dimensional wetland" ecosystem. Located in the city center, it offers fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with species such as egrets (白鹭), night herons (夜鹭), and kingfishers (翠鸟) frequently spotted. The best birding season is year-round.

Hanfeng Lake National Wetland Park (重庆汉丰湖国家湿地公园)

As an important wetland stop in southwestern China, Hanfeng Lake attracts over 20,000 migratory birds each year. Species such as the Chinese merganser (中华秋沙鸭) and green-headed teal (青头潜鸭) can be observed here. The best birding season is during the spring and autumn migrations and the wintering period.

Tibet

Lalu Wetland (西藏拉鲁湿地)

Located in the northwest of Lhasa (拉萨), Lalu Wetland is the largest urban wetland on the Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原) and serves as a habitat for species like the black-necked crane (黑颈鹤) and ruddy shelduck (赤麻鸭). The best birding season is from October to April.

Namtso Lake (西藏纳木错)

As the second-largest lake in Tibet (西藏) and the third-largest saltwater lake in China, Namtso Lake offers expansive wetlands and grasslands that attract migratory birds, including the bar-headed goose (斑头雁) and brown-headed gull (棕头鸥). The best birding season is from May to July.

Shaanxi

Yangxian County, Hanzhong (陕西汉中洋县)

Known as the last home of the crested ibis (朱鹮), Yangxian County is also home to other species like the red-bellied pheasant (红腹锦鸡) near Huayang Ancient Town (华阳古镇). The best birding season is year-round, with peak seasons from March to May and October to December.

Qiachuan Wetland (陕西洽川湿地)

Located in Heyang County (合阳县), Qiachuan Wetland is the largest riverbank wetland in the Yellow River Basin (黄河流域). It serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, including the swans (白天鹅) and grey cranes (灰鹤). The best birding season is from March to May and September to November.

Gansu

Yangguan Wetland, Dunhuang (甘肃敦煌阳关湿地)

Located southwest of Dunhuang (敦煌), Yangguan Wetland is a key part of the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve (敦煌西湖国家级自然保护区) and an important passage for migratory birds. Species such as the black stork (黑鹳), white-tailed sea eagle (白尾海雕), and marsh harrier (蓑羽鹤) can be spotted here. The best birding season is during the spring and autumn migrations.

Heihe Wetland, Zhangye (甘肃张掖黑河湿地)

Located in the downstream of the Heihe River (黑河), Zhangye (张掖) boasts large wetlands and diverse ecosystems, providing a habitat for rare birds like the black-necked crane (黑颈鹤) and swans (大天鹅). The best birding season is from April to May and September to October.

Qinghai

Bird Island, Qinghai Lake (青海湖鸟岛)

Once the most famous bird-watching destination on Qinghai Lake (青海湖), Bird Island (鸟岛) is now partially closed for ecological protection, but many birds can still be seen in the surrounding areas. From April to June, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, including bar-headed geese (斑头雁) and brown-headed gulls (棕头鸥), rest at the lake. The best birding season is from April to June.

Qinghai

Bird Island, Qinghai Lake (青海湖鸟岛)

Bird Island (鸟岛) on Qinghai Lake (青海湖) was once the most famous bird-watching location, though some areas are now closed for ecological protection. Still, many bird species can be observed around the lake. From April to June, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, including bar-headed geese (斑头雁) and brown-headed gulls (棕头鸥), rest at the lake. The best birding season is from April to June.

Beichuan River Wetland, Xining (西宁北川河湿地)

Located in the northern part of Xining (西宁), Beichuan River Wetland (北川河湿地) is a typical inland river wetland on the Qinghai Plateau (青藏高原) and serves as a resting and stopover site for many migratory birds. Species such as ruddy shelduck (赤麻鸭), mallards (绿头鸭), and egrets (白鹭) can be observed. The best birding season is year-round, with spring and autumn migrations providing the greatest diversity and number of species.

Ningxia

Shahu Wetland (宁夏沙湖)

Located in the Shahu Wetland (沙湖), white egrets (白鹭), grey herons (苍鹭), and other waterfowl often shuttle through the reed beds. The island in the center of the lake serves as a breeding ground for birds, where visitors can see cormorants (鸬鹚) perched on the "black trees." The best birding season is from April to June.

Qingtongxia Bird Island (宁夏青铜峡鸟岛)

Qingtongxia Bird Island (青铜峡鸟岛), located in the Qingtongxia Reservoir (青铜峡水库), offers rich vegetation and vast water areas, making it a paradise for birds. Species such as grey herons (苍鹭), grey cranes (灰鹤), and wild ducks (野鸭) can be found here. The best birding season is during the spring and autumn migrations.

Xinjiang

Bosten Lake (新疆博斯腾湖)

As the largest inland freshwater lake in China, Bosten Lake (博斯腾湖) is surrounded by wetlands with favorable ecological conditions that attract numerous bird species. Common birds include egrets (白鹭), herons (苍鹭), and ruddy shelducks (赤麻鸭). Bird activity is especially high during the summer. The best birding season is year-round, with summer being the peak.

Chaibao Lake, Urumqi (乌鲁木齐柴窝堡湖)

Chaibao Lake (柴窝堡湖), the largest freshwater lake in Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), has wetlands along its shores that provide a habitat for various bird species. Visitors can spot red-headed gulls (红嘴鸥), wild ducks (野鸭), and many other migratory birds during spring and autumn. The best birding season is during the spring and autumn migrations.

Guangxi

Shankou Mangrove National Nature Reserve (广西山口红树林国家级自然保护区)

Located in Beihai (北海), Shankou Mangrove National Nature Reserve (山口红树林国家级自然保护区) provides a natural sanctuary for birds with its mangrove ecosystem. It is a key stopover for migratory waterfowl. Bird species like the black-faced spoonbill (黑脸琵鹭), egrets (白鹭), and pond herons (池鹭) can be observed, with the rare spoon-billed sandpiper (勺嘴鹬) occasionally making an appearance. The best birding season is from October to April.

Longgang National Nature Reserve (广西弄岗国家级自然保护区)

Located in Longzhou County (龙州县), Longgang National Nature Reserve (弄岗国家级自然保护区) is an ideal place for birdwatching with its karst forest landscape. It is home to rare species like the hornbill (犀鸟), long-tailed broadbill (长尾阔嘴鸟), and the Longgang tail babbler (弄岗穗鹛), a species unique to the reserve. The best birding season is from April to July, during the breeding season when bird activity is at its peak.

Hainan

Dongzhaigang Mangrove National Nature Reserve (海南东寨港红树林国家级自然保护区)

Located in the Meilan District (美兰区) of Haikou (海口), Dongzhaigang Mangrove National Nature Reserve (东寨港红树林国家级自然保护区) is China’s first mangrove reserve. It is home to numerous waterfowl species, including egrets (白鹭), night herons (夜鹭), and grey herons (苍鹭). During winter, black-headed gulls (红嘴鸥) can also be spotted. The best birding season is from November to March.

Jianfengling National Nature Reserve (海南尖峰岭国家级自然保护区)

Located in the southwestern part of Hainan Island (海南岛), Jianfengling (尖峰岭) is the core area of tropical rainforest with rich birdlife. Rare species like the Hainan peacock-pheasant (海南孔雀雉), Hainan hill partridge (海南山鹧鸪), and the orange-breasted sunbird (橙胸姬鹟) can be found here. The best birding season is from March to May and September to November.

Guizhou

Chishui National Nature Reserve (贵州赤水桫椤国家级自然保护区)

Chishui National Nature Reserve (赤水桫椤国家级自然保护区) is a pristine forest wetland home to rare plants like the Cibotium (桫椤) and various bird species such as the red-bellied pheasant (红腹锦鸡), white pheasant (白鹇), and thrushes (画眉). The best birding season is year-round, with spring being particularly good for observing birds during their breeding season.

Hong Kong

Mai Po Nature Reserve (香港米埔自然保护区)

Located in the northwest of New Territories (新界), Mai Po Nature Reserve (米埔自然保护区) is a significant wetland and a key stopover for migratory birds along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway. It is home to rare bird species such as the black-faced spoonbill (黑脸琵鹭), black-headed gull (黑嘴鸥), and little green-legged sandpiper (小青脚鹬). Visits require prior booking. The best birding season is from October to April.

Macau

Coloane Wetland (澳门路环湿地)

Located in the southwest of Coloane Island (路环岛), Coloane Wetland (路环湿地) is a small coastal wetland. The surrounding mudflats and mangroves attract egrets (白鹭), pond herons (池鹭), and kingfishers (翠鸟), making it ideal for short birdwatching trips around the city. The best birding season is year-round, with more migratory birds during the winter.

Taiwan

Kenting National Park (台湾垦丁国家公园)

Located at the southern tip of Taiwan (台湾), Kenting National Park (垦丁国家公园) encompasses coastal, forest, and wetland habitats, providing a diverse range of birdwatching opportunities. Species such as Formosan blue magpies (蓝鹇), purple magpies (紫啸鸫), and little-billed thrushes (小弯嘴画眉) can be spotted. Large numbers of migratory birds pass through during winter. The best birding season is from September to April.

Gaomei Wetlands, Taichung (台中高美湿地)

Gaomei Wetlands (高美湿地) on Taiwan’s west coast (台湾西海岸) is an important wetland area where birds like the black-bellied plover (黑腹滨鹬), long-billed dowitcher (反嘴鹬), and necklaced plover (环颈鸻) can be seen. The sunset views with flocks of birds flying together are especially spectacular. The best birding season is from October to March.