Magic China
Yunnan
Yunnan is one of China's top destinations for nature lovers and birdwatchers, thanks to its extraordinary biodiversity, varied landscapes, and rich ethnic cultures. The province spans tropical lowlands, alpine mountains, and highland plateaus, making it a prime birding hotspot with over 900 recorded species — more than two-thirds of all bird species in China.
Yunnan
Day 1–2: Arrival in Kunming
Sites: Green Lake Park, Dianchi Lake, Haigeng Park
Target birds: Black-headed Gull (winter), Ferruginous Duck, Brown-winged Parrotbill, Collared Finchbill, Light-vented Bulbul
Overnight: Kunming
Day 3–4: Zixi Mountain (near Kunming)
Evergreen broadleaf forest at mid-altitude.
Target birds: Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Spectacled Fulvetta, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, Rufous-faced Warbler
Overnight: Zixi area or Kunming
Day 5–6: Tengchong – Gaoligong Mountains
Fly or drive to Tengchong (west Yunnan).
Stay near Baihualing, the best bird hide area in China.
Target birds: Ward’s Trogon, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Red-tailed Minla, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Himalayan Cutia
Overnight: Baihualing lodge or birding guesthouse
Day 7–8: Nabang (Tropical forest zone)
Southeast of Tengchong, lowland tropical forest bordering Myanmar.
Target birds: Great Hornbill, White-winged Wood Duck (rare), Blue-naped Pitta, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon
Overnight: Nabang or nearby field station
Day 9–10: Dali & Cangshan Mountains
Birding in alpine shrublands and lakeside habitats near Erhai Lake.
Target birds: Black-headed Greenfinch, Giant Laughingthrush, Crested Finchbill, Black-breasted Thrush
Overnight: Dali
Day 11–12: Lijiang & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
High-altitude alpine meadows and conifer forests.
Target birds: Yunnan Nuthatch (endemic), Blood Pheasant, Rufous-tailed Babbler, White-collared Yuhina
Overnight: Lijiang
Day 13–14: Shangri-La & Napa Lake
Wetlands, yak pastures, and Tibetan Plateau edge habitat.
Target birds: Black-necked Crane (Nov–Mar), Ibisbill, White Eared Pheasant, Tibetan Snowfinch, Ground Tit
Overnight: Shangri-La
Day 15: Return to Kunming
Domestic flight from Shangri-La to Kunming.
Relax or optional urban birding in the botanical gardens.
Day 16: Departure from Kunming
