Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
China Birding

China Birding

Written by Kelly PangUpdated Nov. 13, 2023

With a vast territory, a rich topography — with many mountains and rivers, abundant wetlands and plants — and a range of climates, China plays an important role in preserving and protecting the genetic material of the wild.

China is the fourth richest country for bird species, after three Amazonian countries: Brazil (No. 1), Peru (2), and Colombia (3).

Yellow bellied TragopanYellow bellied Tragopan

China has about 4,400 species of vertebrates, including 1,460 bird species [March 2016], over 430 species of mammals, 208 species of reptiles, and over 2,300 species of fish.

In the year 2000, of 9,800 bird species worldwide, around 1,250 species were known in China. (Figures vary between 1,244 [Zheng Zuoxing, 1994] and 1,253 [Cheng Tso Hsin, 2000], or between 1,260 and 1,329 [MacKinnon, 2000].) So, since 2000, around 200 species have been discovered in China.

Recently discovered/split bird species include the Nonggang Babbler and Chinese grassbird in Guangxi Province.

About 100 species of birds only exist in China, including the crested ibis (Niopponia Nippon in Yangxian, Shaanxi Province), the brown eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum in the region of Huanglongshan, Shaanxi Province), and Cabot's tragopan (Tragopan caboti in Southeast China).

Of all the 15 species of cranes, nine live in China, like the Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus), the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis), and the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis).

Plumbeous Water-RedstartPlumbeous Water-Redstart

Bird Reserves in China

Today there are more than 50 bird reserves in China, including Qinghai Lake and Swan Lake in Xinjiang, Zhalong in Heilongjiang, Xianghai in Jilin, Wuliangsuhai in Inner Mongolia, Poyang Lake in Jiangxi, Yancheng (wetland) in Jiangsu, Caohai Lake in Guizhou; as well as bird flight routes, such as Beidaihe in Hebei and Beihai in Guangxi.

Popular tours
Make the most of your time
Choose the best time to visit
We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on