AlpineBirding: Professional Birding Services in China
birding in China photos
Shanghai birding
As a birdwatcher and a lover of unique international destinations, I was thrilled to discover that Shanghai offers the best of both worlds. While many tourists come to Shanghai for its bustling city life and unique international charm, I was excited to learn that it also doubles as an excellent birding site for migratory birds.
During my visit, I had the chance to spot some truly incredible species, including the Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-faced Spoonbill, Baikal Teal, Northern Shoveler, Falcated Duck, and Northern Pintail. Each of these birds had its own unique features and behaviors that made them a joy to photograph and observe.
One highlight of my trip was visiting Rudong, a site that is considered to be a reliable location for spotting the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Nordmann’s Greenshank, two birds that I had always hoped to see in person. I was not disappointed, as these birds were just as stunning and fascinating as I had imagined.
Throughout my trip, I was impressed by the knowledge and expertise of my guide, who was able to adjust our itinerary based on the latest bird information and seasonal patterns. This allowed us to make the most of our time and ensure that we had the best possible chances of seeing the birds we had come to witness.
Overall, I would highly recommend Shanghai as a birding destination for anyone looking to combine their love of birds with a unique international travel experience. With its incredible range of species and expert guides who can tailor your itinerary to maximize your sightings, it truly offers the best of both worlds.
Tour Info Sheet
The list of bird species includes a variety of fascinating and unique creatures. Among the migratory species are the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-faced Spoonbill, Baikal Teal, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Black Scoter, Reed Parrotbill, Marsh Grassbird, Peregrine Falcon, Chinese Penduline Tit, Plain Prinia, Zitting Cisticola, Light-vented Bulbul, Brown-eared Bulbul, Dusky Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, Manchurian Bush Warbler, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Pale Thrush, Eyebrowed Thrush, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, Yellow-billed Grosbeak, Tristram’s Bunting, Meadow Bunting, Chestnut-eared Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting, and Black-faced Bunting, to name a few. Each species has its unique features and behaviors, making them a joy to observe and photograph.
What makes this trip irreplaceable?
In search of migratory birds that make their way to the east coast during the spring and autumn seasons, including the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Nordmann’s Greenshank.
2. A great diversity of waterfowls, waders, and eastern forest species.
The guide is highly experienced and possesses extensive knowledge of the local bird species, as well as a wealth of experience guiding travelers from diverse backgrounds.
The program is designed to be brief yet flexible, and can be tailored to better suit your specific preferences and requirements.
With years of experience working as a local partner for reputable western companies specializing in birds and wildlife, the individual possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this field.
The team responsible for logistics is highly competent and dedicated to ensuring that our journey is both comfortable and memorable.
Dates & Prices
| All Year Round | Space Available | 1,380USD/pax | 100USD/pax | Departure from 2 | Local Guide | Customizable |
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The cost includes the following:
The trip includes private transportation, which covers pick-up and drop-off services at the hotel or airport.
As a traveler on this exciting journey, you can rest assured that all entrance tickets to various attractions listed in the itinerary are included in the package. This also includes cable car and shuttle bus services, which can make your trip more convenient and comfortable. You can enjoy a hassle-free experience without having to worry about purchasing tickets or waiting in long lines. Simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views as you take advantage of the included services. Our goal is to ensure that your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.
One of the most important factors to consider when planning a trip is finding comfortable accommodations that can provide you with the rest and relaxation you need after a long day of exploring. With this in mind, we are happy to offer you high-quality hotel stays that meet your needs and preferences.
From the first day to the last day of your journey, you can look forward to staying at nice 3 or 4-star hotels in big cities, and the best local guesthouses in remote areas. You will be paired with another client, sharing a twin-bed room, so you can split the cost and enjoy the company of another traveler. All of our accommodations are chosen for their comfortable amenities and prime locations, ensuring that you are always just a few steps away from the best local attractions and activities.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a more lively atmosphere, we are confident that our selection of accommodations will meet your every need. You can rest assured that we have taken care of all the details so that you can focus on making unforgettable memories during your trip.
The cost does not include the following:
At AlpineBirding, we strive to provide you with a seamless and enjoyable experience during your journey. We understand that sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise that may require changes to your itinerary. While we do our best to accommodate these changes, we want to make sure you are aware of any potential extra charges that may apply.
If changes are made to your itinerary due to factors beyond our control such as natural disasters or government policy changes, we will do everything in our power to minimize any additional costs. However, in some cases, extra charges may be necessary to cover the costs associated with these unforeseen circumstances. Rest assured that we will be transparent with you throughout the process, and we will work with you to find the best possible solution.
In addition, if you decide to make changes to your itinerary from your side, we will do our best to accommodate your request. However, please note that any additional costs associated with these changes will be the responsibility of the client. We will always provide you with a detailed breakdown of these costs upfront, so there are no surprises along the way.
At AlpineBirding, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service and a high-quality travel experience. We are committed to making sure that your journey with us is stress-free and enjoyable, and we are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
f. Any program not listed in the itinerary.
Welcome to our birdwatching tours in China! We offer exciting and memorable trips to explore the diverse birdlife in China. However, please note that our pricing is subject to change during Chinese official holidays such as Chinese New Year, Labour Day, National Day, and more.
We want to ensure that you have the best possible experience on our tours, and that includes being transparent about our pricing. If you are planning to book a trip during any of these holidays, please contact us to confirm the price. We will provide you with the most up-to-date pricing information and help you plan your trip accordingly.
We are committed to providing high-quality birdwatching tours at fair prices, and we want to make sure that our clients have the best possible experience. Thank you for considering our tours, and we look forward to helping you plan your next birdwatching adventure in China!
Itinerary
Tour Map
Day 1: Nanhui Dongtan & surrounds.
Hello and welcome to a birding adventure in Shanghai! As your private bird guide and driver, I will meet you at your hotel or the airport to start our journey together. Our first stop will be at Nanhui Dongtan, which is situated at the estuary of the East China Sea where the Yangtze River runs into it after traveling 6,300km from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The water resources from this river have created an abundance of wetlands and forests, making the seacoast area a paradise for many species of birds.
Shanghai is renowned for being a vital stopover site for many migratory bird species that travel between East Asia and Australia. Unfortunately, due to urban expansion, the mudflats are gradually receding. However, there are still habitats left, and Nanhui Dongtan is the perfect place to find both resident and migratory shorebirds.
During our visit, we will have the chance to see a variety of birds, including Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-faced Spoonbill, Baikal Teal, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Black Scoter, Reed Parrotbill, Marsh Grassbird, Peregrine Falcon, Chinese Penduline Tit, Plain Prinia, Zitting Cisticola, Light-vented Bulbul, Brown-eared Bulbul, Dusky Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, Manchurian Bush Warbler, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Pale Thrush, Eyebrowed Thrush, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, Yellow-billed Grosbeak, Tristram’s Bunting, Meadow Bunting, Chestnut-eared Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, and many more.
Get ready for an unforgettable birding experience with me in Shanghai!
During our excursion, we will primarily concentrate on the mudflats and wetlands to search for various bird species, including the Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-faced Spoonbill, Baikal Teal, Northern Shoveler, Falcated Duck, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Black Scoter, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Northern Lapwing, Dunlin, Herring Gull, and more. Additionally, we will also spend some time in the neighboring forest where we have a high likelihood of encountering other bird species like Reed Parrotbill, Marsh Grassbird, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Chinese Penduline Tit, Plain Prinia, Zitting Cisticola, Light-vented Bulbul, Brown-eared Bulbul, Dusky Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Pale Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Chestnut-eared Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, among others. After our exploration, we will drive to our nearby hotel to rest.
Day 2: Nanhui Dongtan to Rudong.
Good morning, birdwatchers! Today we have another exciting day of birding ahead of us. After breakfast, we will head out for more birdwatching in the area. We will have another opportunity to search for some of the species we missed yesterday, or perhaps even spot some new ones. The mudflats and wetlands in the area are home to a variety of bird species, including Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-faced Spoonbill, Baikal Teal, Northern Shoveler, Falcated Duck, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Black Scoter, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Northern Lapwing, Dunlin, Herring Gull, and many more.
After our morning birding session, we will begin a 4-hour drive to our next destination: Rudong. This is another important birding site on the east coast, and we will have the opportunity to search for even more species. We can expect to see a range of shorebirds, forest birds, and more. Keep your eyes peeled for species such as Reed Parrotbill, Marsh Grassbird, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Chinese Penduline Tit, Plain Prinia, Zitting Cisticola, Light-vented Bulbul, Brown-eared Bulbul, Dusky Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Pale Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Chestnut-eared Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, and many others.
It’s sure to be an exciting day, so grab your binoculars and let’s get birding!
Day 3: Rudong & surrounds.
Welcome to our birding adventure in Rudong, one of the most important birding sites on the east coast of China. Today, we will spend a full day exploring the area, searching for both shorebirds and forest birds. Our top target for the day is the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, which can be found here in Rudong, making it the most reliable site for this bird. However, patience is key as the sandpiper mixes with millions of other wading birds.
In addition to the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, we will also keep an eye out for other shorebird species such as Nordmann’s Greenshank, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Grey-headed Lapwing, Kentish Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Terek Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Saunders’s Gull, Black-tailed Gull, and Chinese Pond Heron.
Apart from shorebirds, we will also explore the nearby forests to search for some forest birds such as Reed Parrotbill, Marsh Grassbird, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Chinese Penduline Tit, Plain Prinia, Zitting Cisticola, Light-vented Bulbul, Brown-eared Bulbul, Dusky Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Pale Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Chestnut-eared Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting, and Black-faced Bunting.
After a whole day of birding, we will return to our accommodation and rest for the night.
Welcome birding enthusiasts! Today we have an exciting itinerary for you that takes us to a beautiful location in search of a wide variety of bird species.
On this trip, we will have the opportunity to explore not just one, but two important birding sites on the east coast of China. Our journey begins in Shanghai, where we will meet our private bird guide and driver either at your hotel or the airport.
Our first stop will be at Nanhui Dongtan, a vital stopover site for many migratory bird species on their journey between East Asia and Australia. The mudflat habitats at Nanhui Dongtan are ideal for spotting resident and migratory shorebirds such as Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-faced Spoonbill, Baikal Teal, Northern Shoveler, Falcated Duck, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Black Scoter, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Northern Lapwing, Dunlin, Herring Gull, and many more.
After exploring Nanhui Dongtan, we will drive for 4 hours to our next destination, Rudong. This is another important birding site on the east coast where we will spend a whole day searching for birds. Our top target here is the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, which is found in large numbers at Rudong. Along with this, we will also be on the lookout for other coast specials such as Nordmann’s Greenshank, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Grey-headed Lapwing, Kentish Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Terek Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Saunders’s Gull, Black-tailed Gull, Chinese Pond Heron, and more.
Besides wading birds and waterfowl, we will also have the opportunity to explore the nearby “Magic Forest” in search of a variety of other bird species such as Reed Parrotbill, White-cheeked Starling, Japanese Thrush, Eyebrowed Thrush, Azure-winged Magpie, Chinese Penduline Tit, Zitting Cisticola, Yellow-browed Warbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, Manchurian Bush Warbler, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, Yellow-billed Grosbeak, Tristram’s Bunting, Meadow Bunting, and more.
Join us on this birding adventure and experience the beauty of China’s natural world. Book your trip now!
Day 4: Rudong to Shanghai.
After spending the whole day in Rudong searching for our birding targets, we will conclude the itinerary with a 4-hour drive back to Shanghai. Our guests can relax and reflect on the incredible birding experiences they had during their trip. This marks the end of the services provided by AlpineBirding for this scheduled itinerary.
We hope that our guests had an unforgettable time exploring the beautiful and diverse birding sites on the east coast of China. With the help of our experienced guides and drivers, we were able to find a wide range of bird species, from waterfowls and wading birds to forest dwellers and migrants.
At AlpineBirding, we take pride in providing high-quality birding tours that are both fun and educational. Our team of experts is passionate about birding and dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for our guests. We strive to create customized itineraries that cater to our guests’ interests and preferences, ensuring a memorable and rewarding birding adventure.
Gentle Reminder:
The itinerary may be adjusted based on the latest bird information and the seasons, as the bird species mentioned in the itinerary are predominantly observed during the spring and winter periods.
• In addition to our birding services, we can also assist with other arrangements to enhance your stay in Shanghai, including hotel bookings and visits to other destinations. Please do not hesitate to let us know your specific requests, as our team takes pride in creating customized tours for an unforgettable experience!
Guide(s)
We will assign one of our highly skilled local guides to accompany you on this trip, who possesses ample experience in guiding tours in this particular region. Below are a few of our expert guides who have led tours in this area multiple times.
Shay Xie
Shay is a professional bird guide with a background in ornithology and is part of the first group of such guides. He grew up in a small county located on the eastern edge of the Daba Mountains in Chongqing municipality, where he was surrounded by beautiful nature creatures and a stunning natural environment. His passion for nature and birds began when he was a child, and he chose to study ecology as his major when he was admitted to Sichuan University. The campus of Sichuan University is one of the most famous birding sites in Sichuan, and Shay spent most of his afterschool time birding there. Shay started working as a part-time bird guide, successfully guiding many avid birders from different countries including Norway, Britain, the US, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, and more.
Philip He
Philip, who is a half Kangba Tibetan, is the main founder of AlpineBirding and hails from the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. His love for his Kangba Tibetan heritage and the land of his upbringing runs deep. Over the years, Philip has worked in various professions, from a mining technician to a teacher, then a translator, and finally as a guide and tour operator. With over two decades of professional experience, Philip views travel as an art and an opportunity for sharing and discovery. He believes that each trip is a unique work of art, crafted with expertise and knowledge, based on the available resources and the interests of travelers. To provide a lifetime of birding and travel experiences to more people, Philip established AlpineBirding, offering professional, enjoyable tours to individuals who are enthusiastic about exploring birds and other scenic attractions in China.
Linked Tours
If you’re looking to explore some of the best birding sites in eastern and middle China, then the classic birding routes are a must-visit. These routes cover the east coast and forests in the middle region, which are home to many interesting bird species.
During the spring or winter, you can join classic birding trips that cover more birding sites and species. These trips will take you to some of the best birding locations in China and give you a chance to see many bird species up close.
Some of the most popular bird species found in these regions include the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Reed Parrotbill, White-cheeked Starling, Japanese Thrush, Azure-winged Magpie, Chinese Penduline Tit, Zitting Cisticola, Yellow-browed Warbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, Manchurian Bush Warbler, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, Yellow-billed Grosbeak, Tristram’s Bunting, and Meadow Bunting, among others.
The classic birding routes are perfect for birdwatchers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll find something to enjoy on these trips. So, if you have the time, don’t miss out on the chance to explore these amazing birding sites and species on the classic birding routes in eastern and middle China.
Southeast China Winter Birding Tour
Explore the magnificent cranes, pheasants, and other unique bird species of Southeast China such as Red-crowned Crane, Siberian Crane, White-naped Crane, Cabot’s Tragopan, etc., by visiting Yancheng, Poyang Lake, and Emeifeng.
The tour is scheduled for January 19 to February 3, 2024, and has a price of $4,850 for a duration of 16 days.
Tour guide: Alan Curry and a local guide.
Southeast China Spring Birding Tour
In spring, discover the east coast and forests in the southeast to search for some of Asia’s most elusive species, such as the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Blue-crowned Laughingthrush, White-necklaced Partridge, and more.
The itinerary will last for 16 days, starting from April 21 and ending on May 6, 2024, with a total cost of $4,999.
Tour guide: Alan Curry & Local guide.
Reports
Are you interested in a birding tour but unsure about the latest bird information and what to expect? If so, AlpineBirding has got you covered.
While we don’t have a report available for some of our tours at this stage, we are always ready to answer any questions you may have and share the latest bird information with you. Our team of professional guides and tour operators have extensive experience in leading birding tours in various regions of China.
We understand that every trip is unique, and we strive to tailor-make our tours based on the interests and needs of our clients. So, if you have any particular requests or would like to know more about a specific tour, please don’t hesitate to email us. We will be more than happy to assist you and provide you with all the information you need.
At AlpineBirding, we are committed to providing our clients with unforgettable birding experiences and making sure that they leave with wonderful memories of their trip. So, let us help you plan your next birding adventure in China. Contact us today and let’s get started!
Testimonials
Winter Poyang lake plus Wuyuan birding
Are you looking for an exciting birding adventure in China? Look no further than AlpineBirding! Our team of experienced guides is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable birding experience.
Recently, one of our satisfied clients shared their experience with us. They contacted us during their family holiday in Hong Kong and requested a five-day birding trip to Poyang Lake and Wuyuan in Jianxi Province in January 2019. Our team was more than happy to accommodate their request.
Our knowledgeable local guides accompanied the couple throughout their trip, ensuring they saw some of the rarest wintering birds in the region. The Poyang Lake and Wuyuan are renowned for their birding opportunities, and our guides made sure that our clients saw everything from cranes to pheasants.
At AlpineBirding, we pride ourselves on providing tailor-made tours for our clients. Whether you’re an avid birder or just starting, we can create a tour to suit your interests and skill level. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our tours and services. We look forward to helping you plan your next birding adventure in China!
Are you looking for a reliable and professional birding tour company in China? Look no further than AlpineBirding. This satisfied customer had a wonderful experience with the company during their 5-day trip to Poyang Lake and Wuyuan in January 2019.
The customer praised AlpineBirding for their exceptional service from start to finish. Bella, the organizer, was prompt and efficient in responding to emails and arranging logistics. The guides, Philipp and Shay, were also highly praised for their expertise in birding and attentiveness to the customers’ needs. They even took the customers to try a variety of local cuisine.
In terms of birding, the group saw a wide range of species including Siberian, White-napped, Hooded and common cranes, Baer’s pochard, scaly-breasted merganser, and many other specialities. They were even treated to a rare sighting of the Yangtzee finless porpoise.
While some of the accommodations in the Poyang area were basic and cold, the customer understood that these were not touristy areas and had been properly warned beforehand.
If you’re looking for a professional and knowledgeable birding tour company in China, AlpineBirding is definitely worth considering.
If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced birding tour operator in China, AlpineBirding is definitely worth considering. Based on the feedback of previous customers, it seems that they have a great team of guides and staff who are dedicated to providing a top-notch birding experience.
One satisfied customer recently shared their positive experience with AlpineBirding during a five-day trip to Poyang Lake and Wuyuan in Jianxi Province. The customer highlighted the excellent organisation of the trip by Bella, who responded to emails promptly and ensured that all logistics were well taken care of. The guides, Philipp and Shay, were also praised for their birding skills and attentive care for the customers’ needs.
Aside from the birding, the customer also enjoyed the opportunity to sample the local cuisine, which was described as amazing. During the trip, they were able to spot a range of bird species, including the Siberian, White-napped, Hooded and Common Cranes, Baer’s Pochard, Scaly-breasted Merganser, and other specialities. They even had the unexpected bonus of observing the Yangtze Finless Porpoise!
Although some of the hotels in the Poyang area were basic and cold, this was properly warned in advance, and the customer was still satisfied with the overall experience.
Based on this review, it’s clear that AlpineBirding is a trustworthy birding tour operator in China, and one that previous customers would definitely recommend to others.
Excellent organisers for one-day targeted birding!
Although my friend and I usually engage in birdwatching independently on a budget, there are times when we need to hire a local guide for the more challenging bird species that require special access or other requirements.
If you’re an avid birder, you know that some species can be challenging to find, especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory. That’s why hiring a local guide can be a game-changer, especially when you’re trying to find those elusive species that are often hidden away in the underbrush.
Recently, we had the pleasure of hiring a local guide from AlpineBirding during our birding trip to Wuyuan. We wanted to find the Blue-crowned Laughingthrush, as well as some other local specialties, and we knew that having a guide would increase our chances of success.
AlpineBirding was quick to respond to our request, and they recommended a non-English speaking guide to help us save some money. They also provided us with a recommended hotel to stay in, which was a nice touch.
On the day of our tour, our guide arrived right on time, and we were off to a great start. Throughout the day, he was able to take us to all the best birding spots in the area, and we were able to find everything we were looking for, including the Blue-crowned Laughingthrush!
Overall, we were very impressed with the professional service provided by AlpineBirding. They were able to find us the perfect guide for our needs and made the entire process incredibly easy and straightforward. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking to hire a local guide for their birding adventures in China.
We also employed a guide from AlpineBirding to locate Chinese Crested Tern in Fuzhou, which was crucial because of the challenging permit requirements in China. I would gladly use their services again.
We also employed a guide from AlpineBirding to locate Chinese Crested Tern in Fuzhou, which was crucial because of the challenging permit requirements in China. I would gladly use their services again.
