Hangzhou Birding Itineraries and Watching Guide

Destination Birding Guide

Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province in China, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The city’s surrounding areas are home to over 400 species of birds, making it a top birding destination in the country. Here are some popular birding spots in and around Hangzhou:

Hangzhou Botanical Garden: This is a great place to see some of the city’s migratory birds.

Xixi National Wetland Park: Located to the west of Hangzhou, Xixi is a wetlands park where you can find a wide range of bird species, including some rare ones like the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Grey-headed Woodpecker.

West Lake: This is a popular spot for birdwatching, especially in the spring and autumn. Look out for the Black-crowned Night Heron, the Egret, and the Little Grebe.

Deqing: This small county located to the northwest of Hangzhou is known for its abundant birdlife. Look out for the Chinese Egret, the Little Egret, and the Spot-billed Duck.

Jiande: This city located to the west of Hangzhou is another great birding spot, with a wide range of species including the Oriental White Stork, the Chinese Egret, and the Red-crowned Crane.

It is recommended to go birding with a local guide who is familiar with the area and can take you to the best birding spots.

Birding weather and seasons guide in Zhejiang province

Zhejiang Province in eastern China is a great place for birdwatching, with a diverse range of habitats and species. Here's a guide to the best birding seasons and weather in the region:

Spring (March to May):

Spring is the best season for birdwatching in Zhejiang, as the mild temperatures and abundant rainfall create the perfect conditions for birds to migrate and breed. Some of the species that can be seen during this season include the Chinese Goshawk, the Black-faced Spoonbill, and the Black-necked Crane. The weather during this season is generally mild and humid, with occasional rain showers.

Summer (June to August):

Summer is a good time for birdwatching, as the warm and wet conditions provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species. Some of the species that can be seen during this season include the Brown-cheeked Rail, the Yellow Bittern, and the White-throated Kingfisher. The weather during this season is hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is a great season for birdwatching, as the cooler and drier weather attracts many species of birds to the area. Some of the species that can be seen during this season include the Black-faced Spoonbill, the Baer's Pochard, and the Relict Gull. The weather during this season is mild and dry, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Winter (December to February):

Winter is a good time for birdwatching in Zhejiang, as the cool and dry weather attracts many species of birds to the area. Some of the species that can be seen during this season include the Chinese Goshawk, the Black-necked Crane, and the Hooded Crane. The weather during this season is cold and dry, with occasional snow or frost.

In general, the best birdwatching conditions in Zhejiang are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and conducive to bird migration and breeding. However, birders can still enjoy good birding opportunities during the summer and winter months, depending on the species they are interested in seeing.

3 day Hangzhou birding itinerary

Day 1: Hangzhou Botanical Garden - Begin your birding trip by visiting the Hangzhou Botanical Garden, which is located on the east side of the city. The garden is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area. Xixi National Wetland Park - After the botanical garden, head to Xixi National Wetland Park, a large wetland area in the western part of Hangzhou. This park is home to many wetland birds, including herons, ducks, and kingfishers. Deqingyuan Nature Reserve - In the afternoon, visit the Deqingyuan Nature Reserve, which is located near Hangzhou. This reserve is a good spot for birdwatching, with a variety of habitats including forests, wetlands, and grasslands.

Day 2:  Feisha Bay - Start your second day by visiting Feisha Bay, a coastal area located in the northeast of Hangzhou. This area is known for its migratory bird populations, including seabirds and shorebirds. Yuhang Tidal Flat - After Feisha Bay, head to Yuhang Tidal Flat, which is located near the mouth of the Qiantang River. This area is an important stopover site for migratory birds, including waders and waterfowl. Wenzhen Hill - In the afternoon, visit Wenzhen Hill, a forested area located in the southern part of Hangzhou. This area is known for its bird populations, including warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes.

Day 3: Qingtian County - Begin your final day by visiting Qingtian County, which is located to the south of Hangzhou. This area is known for its forested hills and valleys, which are home to many species of birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes. Qiantang River Estuary - After Qingtian County, head to the Qiantang River Estuary, which is located near Hangzhou. This area is an important site for migratory birds, including waterfowl and shorebirds. Longjing tea plantation - End your birding trip by visiting a Longjing tea plantation, which is located near the West Lake. The tea plantations are surrounded by forests and hills, which are home to a variety of bird species, including flycatchers and thrushes. 

This itinerary provides a good mix of habitats, from wetlands to forests to coastal areas, and should allow you to see a variety of bird species in and around Hangzhou. It's also a good idea to bring binoculars and a bird guide to help identify the birds you see.

A 7-day birding itinerary for Zhejiang

Day 1: arrive in Hangzhou and check into your hotel, visit the Hangzhou Botanical Garden, a large and diverse garden that is home to many species of birds and other wildlife. Take a boat tour on West Lake, a scenic lake surrounded by lush forests and parks, where you can see many species of waterbirds, including ducks, geese, and herons.

Day 2: Drive to Thousand Island Lake, a large lake located in the heart of Zhejiang province, known for its rich birdlife and scenic beauty. Take a boat tour of the lake, where you can see many species of migratory birds, as well as local waterbirds and other wildlife. Visit the nearby Nanji Islands National Nature Reserve, a protected area that is home to many species of birds and other wildlife.

Day 3: Drive to the Yandang Mountains, a scenic mountain range located in the southeast of Zhejiang province, known for its rich birdlife and diverse habitats. Take a guided birding tour of the mountains, where you can see many species of birds, including species of parrots, thrushes, and warblers. Spend the night in the nearby town of Wenzhou, where you can sample delicious local food and enjoy the local culture.

Day 4: Drive to the Tiantai Mountains, a scenic mountain range located in the north of Zhejiang province, known for its rich birdlife and diverse habitats. Take a guided birding tour of the mountains, where you can see many species of birds, including species of woodpeckers, cuckoos, and flycatchers. Spend the night in the nearby city of Taizhou, where you can explore the local culture and history.

Day 5: Drive to the Wuzhishan Mountains, a scenic mountain range located in the west of Zhejiang province, known for its rich birdlife and diverse habitats. Take a guided birding tour of the mountains, where you can see many species of birds, including species of eagles, hawks, and falcons. Spend the night in the nearby city of Jinhua, where you can enjoy the local food and culture.

Day 6: Drive to the Shuangxi Mountains, a scenic mountain range located in the northeast of Zhejiang province, known for its rich birdlife and diverse habitats. Take a guided birding tour of the mountains, where you can see many species of birds, including species of thrushes, flycatchers, and orioles. Spend the night in the nearby city of Lishui, where you can sample delicious local food and enjoy the local culture.

Day 7: Drive back to Hangzhou and spend the day exploring the city and its surroundings, including West Lake and the Hangzhou Botanical Garden. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue your journey in China.

This itinerary for Hangzhou is just a suggestion and can be adjusted to your preferences and schedule. It is important to note that birding can be weather dependent, so it may be necessary to make adjustments based on conditions at the time of your trip.