Pheasants of Sichuan … and red panda!

March 2026 - DATES & ITINERARY TBC

Really excited to be going back to China in 2026!
A destination that probably wasn’t on your radar of top places to go. But once you see some of the birds we are targeting I think you will agree that it’s pretty spectacular!

Our 2026 tour will include Red Panda, Cabot’s Tragopan and Elliot’s Pheasant as well as most of the species we saw in 2025, such as Lady Amherst’s, Golden, Silver, and Ring-necked Pheasants. Chinese Monal, Temminck’s Tragopan, Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, Himalayan Macaque, and Takin will also be back on the agenda!
We will also have an optional extension to see Reeve’s Pheasant and Mandarin Duck

Draft Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Fuzhou, then transfer to Jian’ou for overnight(Depends on arrival flight time, we may not have activity this afternoon).
Overnight: Jian'ou Town

Day 2: Full day for the Cabot's Tragopan, Then drive to Sanming
Overnight: Jian'ou or to Sanming

Day 3: Full day for the Elliot's Pheasant and possibly other species
Overnight: Sanming

Day 4: Morning birding, then take the afternoon flight from Sanming to Chengdu before driving to Pingshan (3hrs)
Overnight: Pingshan

Day 5: Full day for the Lady Amherst's & Silver, Partridges, Temminck's Tragopan
Overnight: Pingshan

Day 6: Almost a full day for the same targets again, then head to Mt. Wawushan
Overnight: Wawushan

Day 7: Full day for the Red panda and other birds
Overnight: Wawushan

Day 8: Half day for the Red panda again, then to Kangding
Overnight: Kangding

Day 9: Kangding Lady Amherst's and common pheasant, then drive to Chinese Monal homestay, hope to have afternoon photo chance of Chinese Monal
Overnight: Homestay

Day 10: Morning and afternoon for the Chinese Monal, evening back to Kangding for overnight
Overnight: Kangding

Day 11: Long drive from Kangding to Golden pheasantsite(5-6hrs), Afternoon Golden Pheasant.
Overnight: Dujiangyan

Day 12: Morning visit the pandacenter(enclosure) in Dujiangyan, 5 hrs drive to Tangjiahe, explore in the afternoon for Takin, Snowy Bunting and evening for Tawny Fish-Owl
Overnight: Tangjiahe

Day 13: Full day Tangjiahe and then drive to Golden Snub-nosed Monkey site,
Overnight: Shuijingzhen

Day 14: Golden Snub-nosed Monkey in the morning plus some local birding, then back to Chengdu airport hotel
Overnight:Chengdu airport hotel

Day 15: Departure OR Extension for the Reeve's Pheasant Fly to Wuhan
Overnight at the Guesthouse near the site

Day 16: Full day for the Reeve's pheasant and Mandarin Duck
Overnight at the Guesthouse near the site

Day 17: Half day birding opportunity, then drive back to Wuhan Airport.
Overnight: Wuhan Airport

Day 18: Departure

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Alot of this tour will be hide based, however there are some moderate walks involved, including some at altitude

chinese monal location - approx 3800m elevation

Respecting locals

We are passionate about giving more respect to our invaluable local guides and agents, leading to responsible ecotourism and conservation.
It is fantastic to witness small villages and families making a living from caring for the wildlife and taking tourists like us to see them.

CAMERA SKILL
We pride ourselves on helping everyone get more from whatever camera you have, and increasing your skills regardless of your experience.
You definitely don't need to be an expert photographer with a super telephoto lens to enjoy this tour. Obviously the longer the lens the better for birds, however whatever camera you have there is no doubt that you will still learn a lot and have great fun doing it!
This tour will incorporate a mix of static hide-based sessions, as well as some roadside walking.

Walking difficulty:
Easy to Moderate. Some areas are at higher elevations between 3000-4000m. Our highest accommodation is approximately 3200m. Depending on the weather there may be some walking on snow or slippery tracks so good boots are essential. If you aren’t as steady on your feet as you might like, then some lightweight hiking poles are always recommended.
We will never leave anyone behind! It doesn’t matter if you are slow. We are patient and will make sure you get there :)

Accommodation:
Comfortable hotels throughout

$8500* TBC USD per person*

*Twin share
(Also note the prices are in US dollars.)

Tour cost includes:
All accommodation, main meals, drinking water, internal flights (as stated in itinerary), overland transport, tips to local drivers and guides, travel permits, entrance fees, and guide fees.

Tour cost excludes:
Flights before and after the tour start/end, visa, travel insurance, tips to tour leaders, laundry, drinks and other items of a personal nature