The Hengduan Mountains in Fall: Discovering Wildlife in China's Vertical World
Release Time: December 05, 2025 Author: Ava Wu
The Hengduan Mountains in Fall: Discovering Wildlife in China's Vertical World
The Hengduan Mountains, massive folds squeezed out when the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau suddenly rose, stretch north to south, their peaks towering side by side, interspersed with raging river valleys. The frequent rise and fall of elevation, combined with varying rainfall across different directions, together shape the region’s incredibly diverse habitats. This autumn, the Alpine Birding team ventured into this vertical ecological treasure trove, encountering unique wildlife in the ever-changing landscape of mountains and rivers.
Minshan: The Ballet of Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in the Canopy
Our first stop was Minshan, where we found ourselves standing at an elevation of 2,000 meters in a temperate broadleaf forest. Surrounded by mist, the mountain seemed to be hidden beneath a thick veil. In this moment, the Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys took center stage. They danced gracefully among the fir trees, their golden fur shimmering with warmth. A young monkey nestled close to its mother, swinging joyfully between the branches. The forest seemed like a playground for these monkeys. At that moment, I forgot the chill, lost in the pure beauty of nature.
Tangjiahe: A Wild Animal Theater in the River Valley
Tangjiahe lies in the transitional zone of the mountains, and from a distance, the riverbanks resemble an open-air theater. As soon as we stepped onto the river flats, we spotted two Tawny Fish Owls perched silently, their eyes sharp as if on patrol. A Golden Pheasant flashed through the underbrush, its long tail gleaming like a streak of red under the sun. The Crested Kingfisher called out in a series of sharp "kakakak" sounds, as though announcing a performance on the stage. What truly took our breath away was the Eurasian Otter, its sleek body leaping gracefully from the water, fish clutched in its jaws. It moved with elegance and speed, like a water sprite. Everything here seemed to unfold in perfect harmony, a natural drama where we, the brief visitors, were mere spectators.
Wolong: Tender Moments at the Panda Breeding Center
At the Wolong Panda Base, as panda volunteers, we had the privilege of observing these adorable creatures up close. Watching a baby Panda clutch a milk bottle, its contented expression almost melted my heart. When the caregivers fed them tender bamboo shoots, the adult Pandas’ eating habits were equally amusing—tearing apart the bamboo with the precision of someone eating sugar cane. Each time they ate, their "pseudo-thumbs" came into play, a remarkable food-handling skill that was nothing short of impressive. Their playful antics were not only endearing but a testament to their evolutionary survival skills honed over millions of years.
Shuangqiao Valley: A Moving Landscape Painting
Entering Shuangqiao Valley felt like stepping into a living painting. The reflection of snow-capped peaks danced on the surface of the lake, and the colorful forests in the valley looked like a beautiful embroidered garment. Grandalas hopped through the shrubs, seemingly carrying fragments of the sky on their wings. We also encountered a White-throated Dipper, the only bird species in the Passeriformes family capable of swimming. It leaped from a river rock and plunged into the water with such fluidity that it hardly disturbed the surface. When it resurfaced, it held a small fish in its beak. This seemingly plain little bird had mastered the art of swimming and fishing, a testament to its resilience in this cold water habitat.
Laba River: A Stage for Adorable Red Pandas
The stars of the Laba River were undoubtedly the adorable Lesser Pandas. With their ringed tails, they gracefully moved through the branches, pausing occasionally to peer at us with their big, round eyes, as though fully aware of their irresistible charm. In the evening, a family of Sambars quietly emerged from the forest, their hooves gently crunching the fallen leaves as they came to drink by the stream. A Lady Amherst's Pheasant also unfurled its wings in the dusky light, creating an elegant farewell to the forest as night fell.
Jiajin Mountain: A Serendipitous Encounter Above the Sea of Clouds
As we crossed over Jiajin Mountain, standing at the summit, we were greeted by a sea of clouds, stretching out like cotton candy. Two Lesser Pandas popped their heads out of the rhododendron bushes, while a Yellow-throated Marten dashed across the grassy slopes like a flash of golden lightning. A Himalayan Owl glided silently through the fir forest, with Himalayan Vultures soaring high above, circling near prayer flags. It was as though the mountains and sky were holding a silent conversation, each fleeting moment filled with boundless beauty.
This autumn journey showed us that the most captivating landscapes aren’t drawn on any map, but revealed in those unplanned moments when we meet the creatures that move through these mountains and forests. Whether they appear in a sudden flash or linger in quiet stillness, each encounter offers a glimpse into the deeper story of the Hengduan Mountains—a place shaped by altitude, seasons, and the resilience of life. As passing visitors, we tread softly and with respect, listening for the quiet pulse of the range as it continues its ancient conversation with the wild.
