China - Sichuan Birding - Oriental Bird Club sponsor 2026

10 Apr 2026 - 28 Apr 2026 (19 days)

USD6,795 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Robert Williams

Tour price (Per person): USD6,795 * GBP5,094 * EUR5,986 * AUD10,625

Single Supplement: USD765 * GBP573 * EUR674 * AUD1,196

China is a land of immense geographic and ecological diversity, and nowhere is this more evident than in Sichuan Province; arguably the country’s richest region for birdlife. This tour explores some of China’s finest and most remote birding hotspots, from moss-draped temperate forests and bamboo-covered hillsides to sweeping alpine meadows and the dramatic Tibetan Plateau. We’ll seek out many of the region’s special breeding residents, with pheasants a major highlight and no fewer than fifteen species are possible, including Temminck’s Tragopan, Chinese Monal, Blood, Koklass, Lady Amherst’s, and Golden Pheasants. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring up to ten species of Parrotbill, Ural (Pere David’s) Owl, Wallcreeper, Black-necked Crane, Sichuan Jay, Emei Shan Liocichla, Przevalski’s Finch, and the recently described Sichuan Treecreeper. Amid these remarkable birds, we’ll also experience breathtaking scenery and a fascinating blend of cultures unique to this part of China.

This departure is offered in partnership with the Oriental Bird Club (OBC), with a portion of the proceeds directly supporting OBC’s vital conservation initiatives across Asia. By joining this tour, you’re not only exploring one of Asia’s most rewarding birding regions—you’re also helping protect it.

Top Birds

White Eared, Blue Eared, Golden, Koklass, Blood & Lady Amherst’s Pheasants; Temminck’s Tragopan; Chinese Monal; Verreaux’s Monal-Partridge; Tibetan & Sichuan Partridges; Chinese Grouse; Black-necked Crane; Snow & Hill Pigeons; Saker Falcon; Black & Darjeeling Woodpeckers; Tibetan Lark; Collared Crow; Sichuan Jay; Emei Shan Liocichla; Fire-capped, White-browed, Pere David's, Sichuan, Yellow-bellied & Ground Tits; Sichuan Treecreeper; White-browed & Crested Tit-Warblers; Przevalski's & Chinese Nuthatches; Emei & Sichuan Leaf Warblers; Chestnut-crowned, Golden-fronted, Golden-breasted, Chinese, Spectacled, Grey-hooded & David's Fulvettas; Sichuan, Spotted & Brown Bush Warblers; Snowy-cheeked, Barred, Giant, Spotted, Plain, Buffy, Elliot's & Red-winged Laughingthrushes; Streaked Barwing; Rufous-tailed Babbler (Moupinia); Great, Three-toed, Ashy-throated, Golden & Grey-hooded Parrotbills; Chinese & Collared Grosbeaks; Grandala; Firethroat; Sichuan, Long-tailed & Kessler's Thrushes; White-browed & Golden Bush Robins; Tibetan, White-rumped & Rufous-necked Snowfinches; Maroon-breasted Accentor; Blanford's, Sharpe's, Streaked, Red-fronted, Vinaceous, Three-banded, Chinese White-browed, Himalayan Beautiful & Pink-rumped Rosefinches; Tibetan Serin; Slaty & Godlewski's Buntings; Przevalski's Finch.

Top Mammals

Golden Takin; Milne-Edward's Macaque; Chinese Serow; Tufted Deer; Chinese Goral; Tibetan Fox; Hog Badger; Grey Wolf. Slim chances for Giant & Chinese Red Pandas; Asiatic Black Bear; Pallas’s Cat.

Habitats Covered

Temperate coniferous (pine, spruce & fir) and mixed (oak & rhododendron) broad-leaved forest, bamboo forest, alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau, rivers, mountain valleys, mountains and high-altitude passes

Expected Climate

Warm to cool in the lower lying areas, cold with some snow in the higher lying areas (most of the trip)

Max Group Size

10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Moderate. Several rare/difficult species, many low-density species require repeat searches.

Accommodation

Good to comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Moderate. Several rare/difficult species, many low-density species require repeat searches.

Other Attractions

fabulous mountain scenery, extensive broad-leaved, coniferous and bamboo forests, fascinating people and culture, rarely visited reserves and wilderness areas

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good, some purpose-built hides.

What our clients say about us

Glen Valentine
PK, China 2018

As usual, Glen Valentine was fantastic. I have travelled with him before and it never ceases to amaze me how he can hear and spot birds so effectively. And his enthusiasm is contagious. You know that he has seen any given bird on previous trips but it's as though he is seeing it for the first time with you! Daniel Danckwerts was also on the tour "learning the ropes". Very knowledgeable and a good asset to have on the tour. A superb spotter! All in all, this was a fantastic trip. I would recommend it to anyone.

David Hoddinott
JG, China 2018

David Hoddinott was an excellent bird guide, finding and identifying birds at amazing speed and ease. He had researched the field well, and knew where to find the birds. He also had researched the literature and was versed in all the newest taxonomic changes. He was very patient in assuring that all the participants got on the bird.

Glen Valentine
MN, China 2018

Glen Valentine is an incredible guide and has real talent. We very much appreciate him and always find his tours fun and so rewarding with great birds, great views even in freezing conditions. Any tour with Glen is a guaranteed success and a good time. Daniel Danckwerts will be a great asset to RBT and contributed to the success of the tour. He is also personable and has a great sense of humour. He wasn't all that slow with his scope either and we all saw some fine birds through his scope. We are never surprised at the excellence of RBT guides.

Daniel Danckwerts
MN, China 2018

Glen Valentine is an incredible guide and has real talent. We very much appreciate him and always find his tours fun and so rewarding with great birds, great views even in freezing conditions. Any tour with Glen is a guaranteed success and a good time. Daniel Danckwerts will be a great asset to RBT and contributed to the success of the tour. He is also personable and has a great sense of humour. He wasn't all that slow with his scope either and we all saw some fine birds through his scope. We are never surprised at the excellence of RBT guides.

Paul Varney
NH, China 2024

Paul Varney, was very well prepared, despite not having birdied much in China before he had studied the likely birds at each place and particularly he had leaner the calls, so vital in identifying almost identical leaf warblers. He was calm and flexible when logistical issues arose. I would happily tour with him again.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map