5 Days Songpan and Ruoergai Northern Sichuan Birding Tour (Alpine Forest and Grassland Endemics)

    This 5 Days Northern Sichuan Birding Tour is meant to be an unforgettable expedition into one of China's richest high-altitude birding frontiers, where ancient conifer forests, sweeping alpine grasslands, crystal-clear rivers, and pristine wetlands create a haven for an extraordinary diversity of Himalayan and Tibetan Plateau birdlife. Beginning with a convenient arrival at Huanglong Jiuzhai or Chuanzhusi Station, the journey combines spectacular mountain scenery with carefully planned birdwatching sessions led through some of Northern Sichuan's most productive habitats. From the very first day, every stop offers exciting opportunities to encounter both sought-after endemic species and magnificent raptors soaring above the snow-capped peaks.

    The adventure takes you deep into the legendary Baxi Forest Farm, one of China's finest remaining old-growth conifer forests and a celebrated destination among serious birders. Patient exploration through towering spruce and fir forests may reward you with exceptional sightings of the elusive Sichuan Jay, Sichuan Wood Owl, Chinese Grouse, Blue Eared Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Black Woodpecker, and numerous high-altitude passerines hidden within the forest understory. Quiet observation, early morning walks, and late afternoon excursions maximize opportunities to witness these remarkable species in their natural environment while enjoying the tranquility of untouched mountain wilderness.

    Beyond the forests, the 5 Days Northern Sichuan Birding Tour expands onto the vast Ruoergai (Zoigê) Grassland, where endless alpine meadows and internationally important wetlands support an entirely different community of birds. Elegant Black-necked Cranes stride across marshes while White-browed Tit-warblers, snowfinches, rubythroats, and nuthatches inhabit the surrounding grasslands. Powerful birds of prey—including Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon, Lammergeier, Himalayan Vulture, Steppe Eagle, and Upland Buzzard—patrol the skies, creating unforgettable moments for wildlife photographers. Lucky visitors may even spot Tibetan Fox, Chinese Mountain Cat, or other high-plateau mammals roaming the expansive landscape.

    As the journey continues through Tangke Town, the dramatic First Bend of the Yellow River, Xue Shan Liang (Snow Mountain Ridge), and the scenic grassland highways back toward Chuanzhusi, each day reveals fresh habitats and new birding opportunities. Gentle rivers, alpine wetlands, forest edges, flowering meadows, and panoramic mountain passes provide constantly changing scenery, while flexible roadside birding stops allow guides to respond to recent sightings and seasonal movements. Comfortable local accommodations, efficient private transportation, and thoughtfully paced itineraries ensure an enjoyable experience despite the region's high elevations.

    Designed for passionate birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike, the 5 Days Northern Sichuan Birding Tour delivers an outstanding combination of endemic birds, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic highland ecosystems. Whether your goal is to photograph the striking Blue Eared Pheasant, search patiently for the rare Sichuan Wood Owl, admire Tibetan Snowcocks on rocky slopes, or witness Black-necked Cranes against the sweeping grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau, this expertly crafted itinerary offers an exceptional birding experience in one of China's most rewarding and least-explored wildlife destinations.

    • Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights
    • Core Access Points: Huanglong Jiuzhai Station/Chuanzhusi Station
    • Key Birding Sites: Baxi Forest Farm, Tangke Town, Ruoergai (Zoigê) Grassland, and the surrounding Xue Shan Liang (Snow Mountain Ridge)
    • Prime Target Species: Tibetan Snowcock, Blue Eared Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Chinese Grouse, Sichuan Wood Owl, Sichuan Jay, Black-necked Crane, White-browed Tit-warbler, White-browed Rosefinch, Black Woodpecker, and other specialized high-altitude forest & steppe birds.

    General Information

    • Code of Tour: CTT0000088
    • Length of Tour: 5 Days
    • Arrival City: Songpan
    • Departure City: Songpan
    • Price of Tour: please make an inquiry
    Código del Tour: CTT0000088

    Detalles del Tour

    • Day 1: Songpan-Ruoergai
    • Day 2: Ruoergai
    • Day 3: Ruoergai
    • Day 4: Ruoergai-Songpan
    • Day 5: Songpan

    Day 1: Station Pickup & Transfer: Huanglong Jiuzhai → Baxi Forest Farm

    Morning / Midday: Pick-up at Huanglong Jiuzhai Train Station (Chuanzhusi). Group meet-up and pre-tour briefing. Start with a birding session around the Chuanzhusi perimeter (targets: White-throated Dipper, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut Thrush, Tibetan Snowcock, White-browed Tit-warbler, Alpine Fulvetta, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, and Chinese Grouse) followed by lunch.

    Afternoon: Self-drive (private chartered vehicle) transfer to Bazi Forest Farm. Travel slowly with en-route birding stops through pristine coniferous forest habitats. Search for montane woodland species such as Ibisbill, White-browed Rosefinch, Hodgson's Redstart, and Alpine Leaf Warbler. Enjoy the blooming alpine wildflowers along the way.

    Accommodation: Baxi Forest Farm local guesthouse.

    Key Habitats: Alpine meadows, virgin coniferous forests, and river valley woodlands.

    Day 2: Full-Day Deep Birding at Baxi Forest Farm

    Early Morning (Prime Birding Window): Spend a full day exploring the pristine old-growth forests of Baxi Farm. This is your best shot at rare and elusive forest specialists.

    Target Species Checklist: Sichuan Jay*, Sichuan Wood Owl*, Plain Laughingthrush, Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush*, Chinese Grouse, Blue Eared Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Buzzard, Spectacled Parrotbill, Three-banded Rosefinch, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Sichuan Tit, Alpine Fulvetta, Hodgson's Redstart, Chinese Leaf Warbler, and Black Woodpecker*. (Species marked with * have a low encounter rate – please maintain patient, silent observation.)

    Midday: Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.

    Late Afternoon: A second forest walk to fill gaps and target crepuscular species.

    Accommodation: Baxi Forest Farm.

    Key Habitats: High-altitude primary coniferous forests and understory thickets.

    Day 3: Bazi Forest Farm → Ruoergai Grassland → Tangke Town

    Early Morning: Bird the Bazi Forest Farm vicinity and mountain passes. Primary targets include Verreaux's Monal Partridge, Blue Eared Pheasant, Chinese Grouse, Blood Pheasant, and Przevalski's Rubythroat.

    Midday: After a short rest, depart for the vast Ruoergai (Zoigê) Grassland. Enjoy en-route birding across alpine meadows and wetland habitats.

    Grassland & Wetland Targets: Black-necked Crane, White-browed Tit-warbler, Crested Tit-warbler, White-browed Tit, Przevalski's Rubythroat, White-cheeked Nuthatch, Rufous-necked Snowfinch, White-rumped Snowfinch, Twite, Little Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), and Himalayan Vulture. Keep your eyes peeled for high-plateau mammals such as Tibetan Fox, Red Fox, and Chinese Mountain Cat.

    Evening: Arrive at Tangke Town. Look for the elusive Przevalski's Finch. Enjoy the iconic sunset over the First Bend of the Yellow River, with a short wetland birding session for roosting waterbirds along the shore.

    Accommodation: Tangke Town.

    Key Habitats: Alpine cold steppe, high-altitude wetlands, and the Yellow River valley.

    Day 4: Tangke Town → Xue Shan Liang (Snow Mountain Ridge) → Chuanzhusi Town

    Morning: Dawn birding at the Tangke Yellow River wetlands. Focus on waterfowl, larks, and snowfinches within the expansive grassland ecosystem.

    Afternoon: After lunch, drive back towards Chuanzhusi via the scenic grassland highway. Make plenty of roadside stops to observe steppe birds and photograph the vibrant summer wildflowers.

    Accommodation: Chuanzhusi Town.

    Key Habitats: Open grasslands and coniferous forest edges.

    Day 5: Chuanzhusi Area Final Birding & Departure Transfer

    Early Morning: A final morning birding session around the Chuanzhusi riverways and foothills to tick any remaining targets.

    Final Push Targets: Blue Eared Pheasant, Blood Pheasant (Gansu subspecies), Black-faced Laughingthrush, Tibetan Snowcock, and Crested Tit-warbler.

    Late Morning: Group transfer to Huanglong Jiuzhai Train Station, Songpan Train Station, Huangshengguan Train Station or Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport for your onward journey. Service ends.

    Essential Travel & Birding Information

    • Altitude Reminder: This tour operates at high elevations. Prepare anti-altitude sickness medication, thermal layers, and high-SPF sun protection. Do not run or exert yourself. Always practice silent birding etiquette to avoid disturbing wildlife.
    • Transportation: Private vehicle tour.
    • Birding Ethics: Maintain a respectful distance. Do not feed, chase, or use playback to attract birds. Flash photography is strictly prohibited.
    • Recommended Gear: High-quality binoculars, a telephoto lens camera (DSLR/mirrorless), and non-slip hiking boots are essential.

    Service Included

    • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary.
    • Accommodations throughout the whole journey(Twin room);
    • Meals everyday (B/L/D);
    • Guide: Professional local chinese-speaking bird guide can speak easy English for communicate or use translator(If necessary, we provide English interpreters);
    • Transportation: Private car;
    • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
    • Service charge & government taxes;
    • Travel insurance package;
    • Mineral water: 2 bottles per person per day.

    Service Excluded

    • Arrival and departure transportation;
    • China visa fees;
    • Personal expenses;
    • Single room supplement;

    Price Notice

    Please inquire for quotation.

    Itinerary Notice  

    To offer you better travel experience, our company reserves the right to adjust the order of the tour itinerary, but the content of the tour will not be reduced. If certain attractions cannot be visited due to force majeure or policy adjustments, our company has the right to cancel or replace them with equivalent attractions, and any fees for replaced attractions will not be refunded.

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