7 Day Essential China Pheasants Tour
Endemic Explorer: Crafting Private Journey Designed Exclusively for You
Breathtaking forests and highland plateaus of Sichuan offer a remarkable bird watching adventure
7 Days
SUGGESTED LENGTH
Nov-April
Best time to go
$TBA
Price From
This seven-day bird photography tour in Sichuan takes you through some of western China’s most striking and diverse landscapes, from lush lowland forests to the vast grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. Carefully chosen locations include wooded valleys, open plateaus and winding mountain passes, each offering excellent opportunities to photograph birds in their natural habitats. The itinerary combines hide sessions with field photography at scenic upland and forest sites. Comfortable hotels and a traditional homestay provide authentic yet accessible accommodation throughout the journey. Expert guidance ensures you make the most of each setting while enjoying the unique character of Sichuan’s terrain.
Photograph elusive pheasants from hides set in lush Sichuan forests
Explore alpine meadows and highland plateaus on the Tibetan Plateau.
Capture stunning birdlife at carefully selected, scenic forest-edge sites
Enjoy authentic homestay experience in remote high-altitude Sichuan village.
Journey through valleys, passes, grasslands showcasing western China’s diverse terrain.
Expert guidance ensures optimal photography and comfort throughout the adventure.
Designed by us, tailored to you
This Tailormade Journey is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure, ready to be customized by you. Choose the hotels you want to stay in, enhance your journey with extra experiences, and tell us where else you want to go.
All our private tours are highly customizable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together
Day 1 – Arrival in Chengdu and transfer to Pingshan
Chengdu and transfer to Pingshan
Welcome To China
Arrive in Chengdu, the gateway to Sichuan, and drive 250 km to Pingshan through fertile valleys, terraced fields, and forested hills. The road offers glimpses of rural life and traditional villages along the way. Depending on arrival time, an afternoon photography session may be possible in nearby woodlands where Lady Amherst’s Pheasant is known to occur. This stop lies at lower elevation, allowing easy access to subtropical habitats and comfortable acclimatisation.
Overnight at Deshengyuan Hotel, situated close to the hides you will use tomorrow..
Day 2 – Pingshan hides
Hide Photography
Gothic glory in the Umbrian hills
Spend the entire day in hides set deep within lush subtropical forest, a peaceful environment alive with birdsong. Here, you can photograph Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Temminck’s Tragopan, Sichuan Partridge and Emei Shan Liocichla from carefully positioned blinds. The hides provide excellent light, natural settings, and unobstructed views of the birds on the forest floor. The surrounding woodland, rich with thickets and broadleaf trees, offers a tranquil atmosphere while waiting for sightings.
Overnight at Deshengyuan Hotel or similar.
Day 3 – Pingshan to Xinduqiao
Travel to Xinduqio
A journey to tibetan plateau
Begin the morning with another session in Pingshan before embarking on a scenic 470 km drive to Xinduqiao. The journey ascends gradually through valleys, pine-covered hills, and winding mountain roads into the Tibetan Plateau at 3600 m. Along the way, pass through villages where traditional architecture contrasts with the open grasslands that surround them. This high-altitude region, characterised by sweeping grasslands, scattered yak herds, and crisp air, provides a striking change in setting and mood.
Overnight in Xinduqiao, preparing for the next day’s exploration of alpine meadows.
Day 4 – Kangding and Chinese Monal site
Photograph Chinese Monal and Blood Pheasant
High altitude birding
Set out early for the alpine meadows near Kangding, surrounded by jagged peaks and dense conifer forest. These high meadows and slopes are ideal for photographing White-eared Pheasant and Blood Pheasant in natural light against dramatic scenery. Later, continue driving higher to reach a remote site dedicated to the Chinese Monal, perched on steep slopes dotted with shrubs and rocky outcrops. The landscape here is rugged yet beautiful, offering opportunities to photograph birds in pristine upland habitat.
Overnight at a homestay near the Chinese Monal site, enjoying its simple charm
Day 5 – Chinese Monal site and return to Kangding
Kangding
Spend the morning photographing the Chinese Monal in its high-altitude setting, surrounded by mountains, thin air, and quiet solitude. The steep slopes and sparse vegetation frame the scene perfectly for capturing the bird’s brilliant colours and behaviour. Take time to appreciate the stillness and light at this unique site. After the session, drive back through the high passes and valleys towards Kangding, watching the landscape gradually soften from rugged peaks to wooded slopes.
Overnight in Kangding at a comfortable hotel.
Day 6 – Wenchuan via pheasant display sites
Arrival in Mount Hagen via Port Moresby
Gothic glory in the Umbrian hills
Visit the morning display sites of Lady Amherst’s Pheasant and Common Pheasant, set within serene forest clearings flanked by low hills and thick undergrowth. These sites provide ideal conditions for observing and photographing their elaborate displays. Spend the morning in these peaceful surroundings before setting off on a 330 km drive to Wenchuan. The road winds through river valleys, over gentle hills, and past small farming communities and woodlands, giving a varied and engaging journey.
Overnight at a hotel in Wenchuan.
Day 7 – Golden Pheasant site and return to Chengdu
Photograph Golden Pheasant
Queen of Pheasants
Dedicate the day to photographing the spectacular Golden Pheasant at a site located in tranquil woodlands, with shaded glades and mossy paths. The setting provides natural perches and soft light, ideal for highlighting this remarkable bird’s colours. Enjoy the calm pace of the session before departing for the 150 km drive back to Chengdu. Travel through undulating countryside, reflecting on the week’s experiences.
Arrive at the airport for a late-night departure or overnight at an airport hotel with a shuttle service.
Tour Highlights
Comprehensive List of Birds:
Lady Armherst’s Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Temminck’s Tragopan, Sichuan Partridge, Emeishan Liocichla, Elliot’s, Rusty Laughingthrush, Golden Parrotbill, Golden Fulvetta, Streaked-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Red-winged Laughingthrush, Himalayan Blue-tail, White-eared Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Elliot’s Laughingthrush, White-browed Rosefinch, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Robin Accentor, Giant Laughingthrush, Chinese Monal, Common Pheasant, Golden Pheasant and more
Tour Cost
Tour Cost : Contact US
This is a private tour. It can be combined with more relaxed cultural or nature tours. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more details and customised travel plans.
Endemic Explorer offers a range of nature and heritage tours in China, partnering with top local operators and experienced wildlife trackers.
Special Notes
Tour Map
Extras & Tools
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