We begin the day birding at Nanhui Cape, searching for wintering species such as Reed Parrotbill, Saunders’s Gull, Baikal Teal, Yellow-throated Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, and Chinese Penduline Tit. After an early lunch, we’ll take a 3.5-hour high-speed train to Wuyuan. Time permitting, we’ll bird around the village before dinner. Nestled in northeastern Jiangxi, Wuyuan is known for its beautiful countryside and well-preserved Hui-style architecture.

Full-day birding in Wuyuan. We’ll search bamboo forests, riversides, and hides for Pied Kingfisher, Pied Falconet, Scaly-sided Merganser, Mandarin Duck, Falcated Duck, and Plain Prinia. In the afternoon, we’ll drive an hour to a protected area in nearby Zhejiang Province to search for Crested Ibis. A night tour offers the chance to spot the Asian Barred Owlet, Collared Owlet (Asia’s smallest owl), insects, and frogs.

Depending on sightings from the previous day, we may do a bit more birding in Wuyuan before heading to Poyang Lake (approx. 3-hour drive). We’ll make a short stop in Jingdezhen, the “Porcelain Capital” of China. At Poyang Lake, we’ll look for Baer’s Pochard, Siberian Crane, Ferruginous Duck, Tufted Duck, Swan Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, and forest birds like Masked Laughingthrush and Black-faced Bunting. Overnight in Yongxiu County.

Full day birding in China’s largest freshwater lake—Poyang Lake is a vital wintering site for over 95% of the world’s Siberian Cranes and more than 80% of Oriental Storks. Other possible sightings: White-naped crane, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Common Pheasant, Plain Prinia, Pied Avocet, Lapwings, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Japanese Quail, and more. The area features boardwalks and watchtowers ideal for birdwatching.

We’ll enjoy a final morning birding around Poyang Lake before heading southeast to Taining (approx. 4.5-hour drive). Along the way, we’ll bird farmlands and low-elevation forests. After dinner, there’s an optional stroll through Taining Old Town—rich in Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. We’ll spend the next two nights here, about an hour from Emeifeng.

Emeifeng National Nature Reserve in the Wuyi Mountains is a pheasant-lover’s paradise. We’ll search for Cabot’s Tragopan, Elliot’s Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, and Silver Pheasant, along with Spotted Forktail, Grey-chinned Minivet, and other forest species. With luck, we may also spot the elusive White-necklaced Partridge.

After a morning of birding in Emeifeng, we’ll drive 3 hours to Mingxi, a small town with access to productive wetlands. Our targets include the rare White-eared Night Heron and Blyth’s Kingfisher. A moonlight boat ride offers a unique chance to observe the elusive night heron in its natural habitat.

 Morning birding around Mingxi and lunch before driving to Fuzhou (approx. 4 hours). Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, has a 2,000-year history and a rich cultural and natural landscape. We’ll explore local parks or wetlands if time permits before settling into our hotel for the next two nights.

A full day of birding split between Fuzhou National Forest Park and the Min River Estuary Wetland Reserve. The forest park features diverse habitats and species like Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Fork-tailed Sunbird, Red-headed Trogon, and multiple woodpecker species. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the estuary’s mudflats and mangroves for Saunders’s Gull, Black-faced Spoonbill, Far Eastern Curlew, Oriental Reed Warbler, and more.

 After breakfast, we’ll fly to Haikou on Hainan Island. Hainan's isolation has led to unique bird life with high endemism. In the afternoon, we’ll explore wetlands for Spoon-billed Sandpiper and other shorebirds. Evening birding may include Olive-backed Sunbird, and night walks offer a chance to spot Blue-breasted Quail, Barn Owl, and Large-tailed Nightjar.

 Full day birding in Danzhou's wetlands. A second night walk increases our chances of spotting elusive nocturnal species missed earlier.

We’ll drive 3 hours to Jianfengling, stopping at Haiwei Wetland Park en route. Jianfengling National Forest Park protects one of China’s largest remaining tracts of primary tropical rainforest. We’ll settle in and prepare for a two-day deep dive into this rich ecosystem.

Two full days of birding in Jianfengling’s diverse montane rainforest. Key targets include Hainan Partridge, Hainan Peacock-Pheasant, Hainan Leaf Warbler, Swinhoe’s Laughingthrush, Red-headed Trogon, Sultan Tit, and more. Evening outings may yield sightings of Mountain Scops Owl and Collared Scops Owl.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Haikou Airport for our return flights where this unforgettable journey comes to a close.

We can arrange domestic transfer flights and additional lodging for an additional cost, based on your travel needs and preferences.