16 Days Classic Yunnan Birding Trip - Itinerary

Explore the "Kingdom of Plants and Animals" for Pheasants, Laughingthrushes, and unique tropical species

Located in southwestern China, Yunnan Province boasts remarkable bird diversity, with over 1,000 recorded species—the highest of any province in China. With its varied landscapes—ranging from mountains and lakes to plateaus, wetlands, and plains—Yunnan offers a wide range of habitats and climate conditions that support this rich avifauna. Its strategic location and favorable climate also make it a critical wintering ground for many migratory birds.

This itinerary takes you through Yunnan’s most renowned birding sites, including the Gaoligong Mountains (Baihualing), Lijiang, Yingjiang, Ruili, and Nabang—all known for their exceptional biodiversity. These areas are home to an impressive variety of pheasants, laughingthrushes, babblers, parrotbills, and hornbills. Target species may include White-cheeked Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Red Junglefowl, Kalij Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Biet’s Laughingthrush, Eye-ringed Parrotbill, Yunnan Nuthatch, Grey-headed Swamphen, Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, and Long-tailed Broadbill, among many others.

Tour Info Sheet

Highlight Birds	Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Kalij Pheasant, White-cheeked Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Scarlet-faced Liocichla, Alexandrine Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Crested Treeswift, Bay Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, White-browed Piculet, Long-tailed Broadbill, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Red-tailed Minla, Scarlet Finch, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Pale-billed Parrotbill, Whiskered Yuhina, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Beautiful Sibia, Long-tailed Sibia, Large Niltava, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Golden Bush Robin, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Black-throated Sunbird, Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, Dark-sided Thrush,Grey-winged Blackbird, Long-tailed Thrush, Wedge-billed Wren Babbler, Streaked Wren Babbler, Grey-bellied Tesia, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Yunnan Nuthatch, Giant Nuthatch, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, White-browed Fulvetta, Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Yunnan Fulvetta, etc.
Numbers of Species to Expect	250-300
Ease of Birding	mostly easy with a few tricky species
Other Attractions	colorful minority culture of Yi, Bai, Hui, Dai, etc.
Photography Opportunities	birding focused but with very good photography chances
Habitats Covered	tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands
Expected Climate	very comfortable, cool in the morning, warm in the south part
Physical Requirements	mostly easy, and demanding but optional in certain parts
Accommodation	very comfortable
Transportation	19-seat van

What makes this trip irreplaceable?

1. Our experienced local guides ensure your needs are well met.

2. We run the trip in the best season. In wintertime, birds move to lower altitudes and tend to stay in flocks.

3. Small groups with more flexibility. The group is limited to 8 so that we can maximize the chances of each participant. Besides, we can use a smaller and more convenient bus versus a big bus required for bigger groups.

4. This trip covers the most popular and classic birding sites in Yunnan including the world-famous Gaoligong Mountains.

5. We have been a reliable local partner for some prestigious western birding and wildlife travel companies for over a decade.

6. We have a strong logistic team to ensure your trip goes smoothly and ensures you a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

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Dates & Prices

Dates	Booking State	Price	Single Supplement	Group Size	Guide
Feb 17 – Mar 4, 2027	Space Available	4,568 USD/pax	420 USD/pax	8	Local Guide

Slide the sheet to the left to see the full sheet if you are viewing on your phone or tablet.

The cost includes the following:

1. Services of an experienced English-speaking bird guide from day 2 through day 15.

2. Accommodation from the first night to the last night, at the quality of 3- to 4-star hotels in cities and nice guesthouses in remote areas.

3. Private transportation throughout the trip, including airport pick-up.

4. Meals at well-reviewed local restaurants, from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the final day. Picnic breakfasts and lunches will be provided when necessary.

5. Entrance fees for all sites listed in the itinerary, including birding hides and shuttle buses.

6. Bottled water and snacks provided throughout the trip.

7. China domestic travel insurance coverage.

8. Full logistical support throughout the journey.

9. Flight ticket from Tengchong to Kunming (economy class).

The cost does not include the following:

1. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages during meals.

2. Additional costs arising from itinerary changes made by the client or from factors beyond AlpineBirding’s control, such as natural disasters or changes in government policy..

3. Discretionary tips for local guides and drivers.

4. Personal expenses, including laundry services.

5. Airfare to the trip starting point and from the trip ending point.

6. Banking and transaction fees charged by banks or third-party companies during payment to AlpineBirding's accounts.

7. Any activities or services not listed in the itinerary.

Itinerary

Tour Map

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming, China (~2100m).

Our journey begins in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Upon arrival at Kunming Changshui International Airport, you are met by your AlpineBirding guide or driver and transferred to your hotel. If time allows, we visit a nearby city park for some birding.

Day 2: Kunming to Chuxiong via Kunming Botanical Garden (2.5hrs, 2100-2300m).

We spend the morning exploring the renowned Kunming Botanical Garden. The garden’s rich diversity of plant life provides excellent habitat for a variety of wintering and resident birds, such as White-throated Fantail, Red-tailed Minla, Blue-winged Minla, Red-billed Leiothrix, Indian White-eye, Black-breasted Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Black-headed Greenfinch, Crested Finchbill, Brown-breasted Bulbul, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Long-tailed Shrike, and Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler. After our visit, we drive to Chuxiong.

Day 3: Zixi Mountain Forest Park to Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Nature Reserve (6hrs, 2300-2200m).

Covering approximately 16,000 hectares, Zixi Mountain is the largest natural park in Yunnan Province, with an impressive forest coverage of 91%. The park is dominated by evergreen and Yunnan pine forests, creating an ideal habitat for various nuthatches and several bird species unique to southwestern China. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, with the main highlights being the endemic Yunnan Nuthatch and the rare Giant Nuthatch. Other species we have a good chance of encountering include the striking Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, Eurasian Jay, Speckled Piculet, Gray-capped Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Minivet, Gray-chinned Minivet, Blyth's Shrike Babbler, White-throated Fantail, Yellow-bellied Fairy Fantail, Ashy-throated Warbler, Buff-barred Warbler, Blyth's Leaf Warbler, Black-faced Warbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Chinese Thrush, Himalayan Bluetail, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, Ashy Drongo, Spectacled Fulvetta, Yunnan Fulvetta, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, and Godlewski's Bunting. Occasionally, the shy Mountain Tailorbird can be spotted in the lush mixed broadleaf-conifer forest. After our exploration, we drive approximately four hours to Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Nature Reserve.

Day 4: Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Nature Reserve to Lijiang (4hrs, 2200-2500m).

We drive to the Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Nature Reserve this morning. Along the way, we explore some stream sides and valleys for Crimson-browed Finch, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Yellow-bellied Fairy Fantail, White-throated Fantail, etc. Located in the core area of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, the reserve holds a primitive and complete ecosystem that consists of a lot of elusive and unique wildlife and floras including the extraordinary Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey. The monkey, also known as Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey, is a large black and white primate that lives only in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan. Coniferous and deciduous forests in the mountainous regions of Yunnan are the ideal terrain for these primates. With their strong adaptations to the environment, these monkeys thrive at extreme altitudes despite the below-freezing temperatures and thin air. So they live at the highest altitude of any known non-human primate. The lush vegetation is also home to many interesting birds such as Stripe-throated Yuhina, Giant Laughingthrush, Elliot's Laughingthrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Black-headed Sibia, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Sharpe's Rosefinch, Godlewski's Bunting, Yellow-throated Bunting, etc. We spend one day inside the reserve to search for our targets. After our exploration, we drive approximately four hours to Lijiang.

Day 5: Lijiang (2300-2500-2300m).

We spend the entire day birding in the Lijiang area, which offers numerous excellent birding sites, including a spectacular bird hide designed specifically for viewing the restricted-range Biet's Laughingthrush (White-speckled Laughingthrush). In addition to this key species, we also have good chances to encounter a variety of other fascinating birds such as Eye-ringed Parrotbill, Yunnan Nuthatch, Salim Ali’s Swift, Black-bibbed Tit, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Spectacled Fulvetta, White-browed Fulvetta, Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Chinese Babax, Elliot’s Laughingthrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Rufous-tailed Babbler, Bar-throated Minla, Black-headed Sibia, Rufous-vented Yuhina, and Yellow-throated Bunting.

Day 6: Lijiang to Baihualing (6hrs, 2300-1400m).

We spend the morning birding in the area to search for our target species again if needed. Afterward, we drive approximately six hours to Baihualing..

Day 7-8: Gaoligong Mountains-Baihualing area (~1400m).

Located on the western edge of Yunnan Province, the Gaoligong Mountains form the southernmost part of the Hengduan Mountain Range. The elevation here rises dramatically from 650 meters at the base to 5,128 meters at the summit. With seven distinct vegetation zones, the Gaoligong Mountains have been recognized by Conservation International as one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. To date, around 525 bird species have been recorded in this region—accounting for 43.3% of Yunnan’s total—with approximately 40 species listed as nationally protected and endangered.

We spend two full days exploring a variety of habitats in search of birds. Some species typically forage on the ground, such as Silver Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Scarlet-faced Liocichla, Grey-winged Blackbird, Long-tailed Thrush, Wedge-billed Wren Babbler, Grey-bellied Tesia, Slaty-bellied Tesia, and Chestnut-headed Tesia.

While exploring the dense virgin forests, we also be looking for canopy and midstory species such as Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Bay Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Red-tailed Minla, Scarlet Finch, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Whiskered Yuhina, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Striated Bulbul, Flavescent Bulbul, Beautiful Sibia, Long-tailed Sibia, Large Niltava, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Short-billed Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, and Yellow-cheeked Tit.

In addition, the area is home to a number of dazzling sunbirds, including Fire-tailed Sunbird, Black-throated Sunbird, Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, and Green-tailed Sunbird..

Day 9: Gaoligong Mountains to Tengchong (2.5hrs, 1400-1650m).

We spend the golden hours of the morning birding in Baihualing in search of our target species, before continuing our journey to Tengchong—renowned for its mild climate, ancient volcanoes, and geothermal springs. The drive take approximately two and a half hours.

Day 10: Tengchong to Yingjiang(1.5hrs, 1650-820m).

In the morning, we drive to Laifengshan Mountain, the largest park in the city, to continue our birding. Here, we search for species such as Black-breasted Thrush, Brown-winged Parrotbill, Slender-billed Oriole, and Maroon Oriole. Afterward, we drive for about one and a half hours to Yingjiang. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Dayingjiang River, where we can look for a variety of species including Indian Spot-billed Duck, Small Pratincole, River Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Temminck's Stint, Coppersmith Barbet, Rufescent Prinia, Grey-breasted Prinia, Grey-throated Martin, Asian Barred Owlet, Dusky Warbler, Collared Myna, Great Myna, Citrine Wagtail, Paddyfield Pipit, and Little Bunting.

Day 11: Yingjiang to Nabang (2.5hrs, 820-240m).

In the morning, we visit Yingjiang Wetland Park to search for a variety of bird species, including Alexandrine Parakeet, Greater Coucal, Asian Green Bee-eater, Coppersmith Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Rufous Woodpecker, White-throated Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Rosy Minivet, Common Iora, Burmese Shrike, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Chestnut-tailed Starling, and Chestnut-capped Babbler.

In the afternoon, we drive toward Nabang, making frequent stops for birding along the way to make the most of our time. Along this route, we have good chances of encountering Asian Palm Swift, White-breasted Waterhen, River Lapwing, Grey-headed Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwing, Ashy Woodswallow, Striated Grassbird, Wire-tailed Swallow, Asian Pied Starling, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Red-billed Starling, Vinous-breasted Starling, Collared Myna, Great Myna, Pied Bushchat, and Scaly-breasted Munia.

Day 12: Nabang to Hongbenghe (3.5hrs, 240-600m).

We spend the morning birding around Nabang, focusing on a range of exciting target species such as Long-tailed Broadbill, Common Green-Magpie, Gray-eyed Bulbul, Ashy Bulbul, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Nepal Fulvetta, Pale-headed Woodpecker, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Golden Babbler, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, White-hooded Shrike-Babbler, Pale-billed Parrotbill, Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, White-crested Laughingthrush, and Black-throated Sunbird. Afterward, we drive for about three and a half hours to Hongbenghe, where we begin birding upon arrival.

Day 13-14: Hongbenghe area (~600m).

During our two-day exploration, we focus primarily on Shiti and the surrounding Hongbenghe area, renowned as the best place in China to see hornbills, alongside a rich diversity of pheasants, laughingthrushes, and flycatchers. We visit several bird hides while also exploring the forest in search of species such as Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied-Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Kalij Pheasant, White-cheeked Partridge, Green-billed Malkoha, Crested Serpent Eagle, Jerdon's Baza, Brown Boobook, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Blue-eared Barbet, Greater Flameback, Lesser Yellownape, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Collared Falconet, Oriental Hobby, Long-tailed Broadbill, Blue-naped Pitta, Black-hooded Oriole, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Collared Treepie, Sultan Tit, Black-crested Bulbul, Grey-eyed Bulbul, Pin-striped Tit Babbler, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Large Scimitar Babbler, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Streaked Wren Babbler, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, White-rumped Shama, Blue-winged Leafbird, and many others.

Day 15: Hongbenghe to Tengchong to Kunming (5hrs, 800-2300m).

We continue our exploration in Hongbenghe this morning before driving approximately 3.5 hours to Tengchong, where we catch a late-afternoon flight back to Kunming. Check in at our hotel at the airport. AlpineBirding services conclude.

Day 16: Departure from Kunming (~2100m).

After breakfast, walk to the terminal on your own to catch the departure flight from Kunming.

Guide(s)

We will arrange one of our best local guides for this trip who has rich experience of guiding tours in this region. The following are some of our best local guides in and around this area.

Shay Xie

Shay is among the first group of professional bird guides with the academic background of ornithology. He spent his childhood in a small county of Chongqing municipality where is the eastern edge of Daba mountains. Being brought up in a beautiful natural environment and surrounded by beautiful nature creatures, Shay has developed a strong interest in nature and birds since he was a small kid. Following the call from his inner heart, he chose to study ecology as his major when he was admitted to Sichuan University. The campus of Sichuan University itself is one of the most famous birding sites in Sichuan and he spent most of his afterschool time birding there. Since that time he started working as a part-time bird guide. After four years of academic study in the university and birding on the campus, he recorded many rare bird species including Blackthroat and Firethroat in Chengdu. Before he joined AlpineBirding, he worked as a professional freelancer bird guide and often participated in some special surveys on birds and mammals in southwestern China. These experiences form fields that have greatly enriched his knowledge of birds and nature. By now, he has successfully guided many avid birders from different countries including Norway, Britain, US, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, Israel, etc. Now working as a full-time bird guide in AlpineBirding, Shay will do his best to create your best birding experiences in China with his experiences, knowledge and passion.

Bella Zhang

Bella, the director of AlpineBirding, graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University with a Bachelor's Degree. She joined AlpineBirding in early 2016 and became the director of AlpineBirding in 2018. She was born and grew up in a Bai ethnic family in Yunnan Province which boasts of the largest number of bird species in China. Her interests toward birds started with her observation of a Long-tailed Minivet in her mom's garden at a very young age. As she grows up, the interests and love toward birds become stronger and stronger. Because of that, she found AlpineBirding before graduation and joined the company for further learning of birds. Bella has guided a number of birding trips in cooperation with AlpineBirding guide in the past years, her passion, readiness to help and detail-oriented attitude have won her lots of praise from our clients.

Trip Details, Dates, Prices, etc.