3-Day Chengdu Bird-Watching Tour (Nearby Areas
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About this experience
We have 3 bird watching locations, and your hotel is also one of them! Every morning, your personal driver picks you up at around 6am to search for bird watching spots at Balang Mountain. Around 10:00am, you return to the hotel to rest. The hotel has a platform where you can watch birds. Around 3:30pm, your driver picks you up at the third bird watching spot! After checking out at noon on the last day, you will stay at the third bird watching spot until 3:00 pm when we return to your hotel in Chengdu!
• Chinese Monal (绿尾虹雉)
• Golden Pheasant (红腹锦鸡)
• Chestnut-throated Partridge
• Blood Pheasant
• White Eared-Pheasant
• Tibetan Snowcock
• Brown Accentor
Available options
3-Day Chengdu Bird-Watching Tour (Nearby Areas
Pickup included
What's included
Two night hotel
Written Guide to Local Bird Species in English
A driver who doesn't speak English (will be your guide for 3 days)
Breakfast lunch dinner
hand-ground coffee
Rest outdoor tables and chairs
Detailed itinerary
1
Wolong Bird-Watching Highlights
Wolong (Wenchuan County, Sichuan) is a top bird-watching spot, with high-altitude habitats (forests, meadows, slopes) hosting rare species.
It’s ideal for spotting Chinese Monal (national first-class, China-endemic, iridescent plumage) and Chestnut-throated Partridge (another rare first-class bird). Key second-class species include vibrant Golden Pheasant, red-spotted Blood Pheasant, and white-plumed White Eared-Pheasant.
Vertical climate brings diverse birds: low-altitude Brown Accentors to >3,500m Tibetan Snowcocks. Best seasons: May-June (breeding plumage) and Sept-Oct (mild weather).
Near Balang Mountain, it’s a birder’s must-visit. Keep distance to avoid disturbing birds.
2
Balang Mountain is located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It straddles Wenchuan, Xiaojin, and Baoxing counties, serving as a key mountain range between Wolong Nature Reserve and Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area.
Key highlights:
• Scenery: Famous for its "sea of clouds"—white clouds float halfway up the mountain, dividing it into alpine meadows (upper) and primeval forests (lower). Summer snow (July-August) is also a rare sight.
• Ecology: Rich in biodiversity, with alpine flowers blooming (May-August) and new species like Gastrochilus balangshanensis (an orchid) discovered in 2024.
• Transport: Accessible via the 8.8km Balang Mountain Tunnel (opened 2016, altitude ~3,850m). The branch road to the mountain pass is permanently closed (since 2023); hiking nearby is an option for views.
• Culture: Its ancient trail was part of the Tea-Horse Road, a vital trade/military route since the Three Kingdoms period.
What's not included
An English speaking guide
tip
Available languages
Written guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is renowned as the home of the giant panda and famous for its rich history, spicy cuisine, and vibrant culture. This ancient city offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern urban development, with lush tea houses, bustling markets, and stunning natural landscapes.
Top Attractions
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
This world-renowned research base is home to over 120 giant pandas. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures up close and learn about conservation efforts.
Nature
2-3 hours
¥55
Jinli Ancient Street
A well-preserved ancient street with traditional architecture, local snacks, and cultural performances. It's a great place to experience Sichuan's rich history and culture.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (shopping and food at additional cost)
Wenshu Monastery
One of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries in China. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and vegetarian cuisine.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
An ancient irrigation system built over 2,000 years ago. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.
Historical
Half day
¥80
Chengdu Panda Base
A research and breeding center for giant pandas. Visitors can see pandas in a natural setting and learn about conservation efforts.
Nature
2-3 hours
¥55
Must-Try Local Dishes
Mapo Tofu
A spicy tofu dish with minced meat, typically pork or beef, and fermented black beans. It's known for its numbing spiciness.
Dinner
Vegetarian versions available.
Dan Dan Noodles
Noodles topped with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions. It's a popular street food.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian.
Hot Pot
A communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a shared pot of boiling broth. Sichuan hot pot is known for its spicy broth.
Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
Sichuan Dumplings
Steamed or boiled dumplings filled with minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables. They're often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Tea house visits
Spa treatments
Park picnics
Museum visits
Temple tours
Best Time to Visit
March to May, September to November
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is less crowded during these periods compared to summer.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Mandarin
- Widely spoken: Sichuanese, English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)
Time Zone
CST (UTC+8)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Chengdu is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport • 16 km from city center
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport • 45 km from city center
By train
Chengdu Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station
By bus
Chengdu Long-Distance Bus Station, Chengdu North Long-Distance Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jinli Ancient Street
Wuhou Shrine
Chunxi Road
Kuanzhai Alley
Day trips
Mount Qingcheng
60 km from Chengdu • Full day
A scenic mountain known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and hiking trails. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great escape from the city.
Leshan Giant Buddha
130 km from Chengdu • Full day
A massive stone statue of Buddha carved into a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
340 km from Chengdu • Overnight
A stunning national park known for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for nature lovers.
Festivals
Sichuan Festival • Late August
Lantern Festival • February (Lunar calendar)
Chengdu International Non-violence Week • October
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
- Visit the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning to see the pandas at their most active.
- Explore the city's tea houses and experience the rich tea culture of Sichuan.
- Take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng or Jiuzhaigou Valley for a stunning natural experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
