Beijing Wildlife Diversity Increases with 12 New Bird Species
During the 41st Bird Loving Week in Beijing, the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau declared the launch of a revised edition of the Beijing Terrestrial Wildlife Catalog, which comprises 608 different wild animal species, including 515 bird species, among which 12 are new species.
The picture is provided by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
Wildlife enthusiasts discovered all 12 of the new bird species during outdoor observations, and experts organized by the Forestry and Parks Bureau confirmed them as new species. Compared to a decade ago, the number of bird species in Beijing has increased by almost 100.
Bird Watching in Beijing
As the spring season is in full swing and migratory birds are returning north, it is an ideal time for birdwatching. Below are some of the top places for birdwatching in Beijing.
Yanqing Yeyahu National Wetland Park
Yanqing Yeyahu National Wetland Park, situated at the base of the Badaling Great Wall, is a renowned wetland park situated along the Guishui River and surrounded by Haituo Mountain.
The Yanqing Yeyahu National Wetland Park is an ideal location for birds, as it offers a suitable habitat for hundreds of migratory bird species passing through each year, and over a hundred wild bird species that use the area as a long-term habitat.
Yanqing Yeyahu National Wetland Park is widely regarded as the top destination for bird watching in Beijing.
Beijing Botanical Garden
The abundance and diversity of flowers in the Beijing Botanical Garden make it a paradise for birds during the spring season.
The garden offers two main birdwatching routes, with the eastern route commencing from the southeast entrance of the botanical garden, and running north along the eastern wall of the park. The eastern route is closer to the western hills and has relatively fewer visitors.
The Beijing Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to visit in spring, not only for the lovely flowers but also for the diverse bird population that inhabits the area. If you are interested in bird watching, there are two main routes to follow within the garden.
The east route, starting from the southeast gate of the botanical garden and heading north along the east wall of the park, is a quieter option closer to the western hills. This route is less frequented by tourists and offers a more peaceful experience for bird watchers.
On the other hand, the west route is the main tourist route in the botanical garden and is therefore more managed in terms of greenery. However, this route also features several water bodies and a diverse ecological environment, making it a great spot to observe birds in their natural habitat.
Regardless of which route you choose, the Beijing Botanical Garden is a paradise for birds in spring, with its numerous and varied flowers providing a beautiful backdrop for your bird watching experience. So grab your binoculars and head to the garden for a memorable day of bird watching!
Temple of Heaven Park
Temple of Heaven Park is an oasis in the bustling city of Beijing and has become a popular destination for birdwatchers due to its lush vegetation. The park, covering an area of 267 hectares, has a rich cultural heritage and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to learn about Chinese history, but it has also become an important habitat for a variety of bird species.
The park’s vegetation includes large trees, shrubs, and flowers, which provide excellent cover and nesting sites for birds. The diverse ecological environment attracts a wide range of bird species, both resident and migratory. Some of the bird species that can be seen in the park include the Eurasian sparrowhawk, the Chinese bulbul, the black-naped oriole, and the common magpie.
There are several birdwatching routes within the park, including the South Route, which runs along the southern part of the park and is home to a variety of bird species. The North Route is another popular route, which starts from the North Gate and leads to the Echo Wall, where visitors can hear the echoes of their voices.
While birdwatching in Temple of Heaven Park, visitors can also immerse themselves in Chinese culture and history. The park is home to several ancient buildings and structures, including the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which was built during the Ming Dynasty. Visitors can also witness locals practicing traditional activities such as tai chi and playing traditional musical instruments.
In conclusion, Temple of Heaven Park is a wonderful destination for birdwatchers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and observe a wide variety of bird species in a beautiful natural setting. Additionally, visitors can learn about Chinese culture and history, making it a great destination for those interested in combining nature with culture.
The Temple of Heaven Park, known for its lush vegetation, has become a popular spot for birds, even though it is situated in the heart of the bustling city. It is also considered as one of the significant bird-watching sites for the Beijing Naturalists’ Society and has been acknowledged as one of the top 10 bird-watching destinations in Beijing.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace, also known as Yiheyuan in Chinese, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Haidian District of Beijing. Originally a royal garden from the Qing Dynasty, it covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers and is renowned for its classical Chinese architecture and stunning landscapes.
But that’s not all the Summer Palace is known for. It is also home to a diverse range of bird species, many of which nest year-round in the gardens. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birds, from common species such as magpies and sparrows to more unique and exotic species like pheasants and egrets.
In fact, the Summer Palace is considered one of the best bird watching spots in Beijing, attracting both amateur and professional bird watchers alike. The park’s many water features and lush vegetation provide an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species, making it an essential stop for any avid bird watcher visiting Beijing.
So if you’re planning a trip to Beijing and you’re a fan of bird watching, don’t forget to add the Summer Palace to your itinerary. With its beautiful scenery and fascinating array of bird life, it’s a destination not to be missed.
To spot a variety of birds in the Summer Palace, visitors are recommended to enter through the Ruyi Gate and head towards the West Dam while going south and then west. From there, turning back towards the back mountain offers a prime bird watching experience. The western bank of the West Dam and the northern half of the back mountain are particularly known to be the best spots for observing a diverse range of birds.
Which bird watching spot in Beijing is your favorite? Share with us in the comments and don’t forget to follow ThatsBeijing on our Wechat Official Account.
[The image on the cover is provided by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.]
