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China - Bird Photography Tour

© Scaly-sided Merganser by Clayton Burne
China - Bird Photography Tour 2026

01 Mar 2026 - 16 Mar 2026 (16 days)

USD6,495 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Nigel Redman

Tour price (Per person): USD6,495 * GBP5,020 * EUR6,000 * AUD10,338

Single Supplement: USD490 * GBP379 * EUR453 * AUD780

Flight costs: USD1,380 * GBP1,067 * EUR1,275 * AUD2,196

China - Bird Photography Tour 2027

26 Feb 2027 - 13 Mar 2027 (16 days)

USD6,900 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Stephan Lorenz

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD6,900 * GBP5,333 * EUR6,375 * AUD10,982

China is an expansive and diverse land, home to an extraordinary array of bird species. Our Bird Photography tour takes place during the late winter season, the optimal time to observe and capture images of the country’s many stunning pheasants. During this time, these remarkable birds are drawn to winter feeding stations strategically positioned in front of well-appointed hides and blinds, providing unparalleled photographic opportunities.

Among the breathtaking pheasants we hope to photograph are the magnificent Cabot’s Tragopan and the striking Reeves’s, Elliot’s, Koklass and Silver Pheasants as well as Rufous-throated, Chinese Bamboo and Mountain Bamboo Partridges. Additionally, a variety of other captivating Asian forest species frequent these feeding stations during the winter months, offering the chance to capture spectacular avian treasures such as the Black-breasted Thrush, Red-tailed and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Beautiful and Black-headed Sibia, Scarlet-faced Liocichla —all at incredibly close range!

Beyond these photogenic species, we will visit the world’s only reliable sites for photographing the rare and striking Pied Falconet, Crested Ibis and the elusive Scaly-sided Merganser, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Complementing this extraordinary birding adventure are China’s rich cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking scenery, making this tour one of the most rewarding bird photography experiences in all of Asia!

Top Birds

Reeves's, Elliott's, Koklass, Mrs. Hume's & Silver Pheasants; Cabot's Tragopan; Rufous-throated, Hill & White-necklaced Partridges; Mountain & Chinese Bamboo Partridges; Pied Falconet; Scaly-sided Merganser; Crested Ibis, Red-tailed & Blue-winged Laughingthrushes; Silver-eared Mesia; Scarlet-faced Liocichla; Large & Small Niltavas; Black-breasted Thrush; Beautiful & Black-headed Sibias; Golden-throated, Blue-throated & Great Barbets, Mandarin Duck.

Habitats Covered

Temperate coniferous (pine, spruce & fir) and mixed (oak & rhododendron) broad-leaved forest, bamboo forest, rivers, mountain valleys

Expected Climate

Mild to moderate in the lower lying areas, cold to very cold in the higher lying areas

Max Group Size

8 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 paced tour. Days are mostly cool & quite short, there is no planned night birding. Some early starts, full days in the field. Several flights & one bullet train ride. • Our Bird Photo Tours are a hybrid between our Classic birding tours and dedicated photographic tours. You don’t have to be a professional photographer or have the biggest lens; this is for everyone with an interest in photography and birding. Whether you’re using a bridge camera or the latest body and prime lens, our aims are the same. • These tours are not aimed at seeing the most species possible on the route, rather taking time to photograph key targets and any other interesting species we may find. Naturally, the overall species list will be lower than a comparable birding focused tour. • Whilst we may use blinds, feeders and hide setups on some of these tours, we will not be spending an entire day nor even several hours fixed in one spot. • These tours are suitable for photographers who prefer opportunistic photography over entire days in a hide. • Our leaders will assist in helping everyone secure good photographic opportunities and advise as much as they can on camera setup. However, they are not professional photographic tour leaders.

Accommodation

Comfortable, more basic in remote areas.

Ease of Birding

Easy to moderate. Several rare/difficult species, some 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 if weather is suitable). Several purpose-built hides & blinds. Lighting can be heavily impacted by grey, overcast skies, light fog or drizzle.

What our clients say about us

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.

David Hoddinott
PS, China 2018

David Hoddinott is an outstanding leader. Always conscious of the need to ensure that everyone sees each bird, he does, rightly, expect concentration and a positive approach throughout. This is the second time that I have travelled with David and I hope that I have the opportunity again in the future. Thank you.

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.

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.

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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