Qinghai Birding Itineraries and Routes

Where to do a bird watching tour in Qinghai

Qinghai province in China is a great destination for birdwatching, with a diverse range of bird species that can be found in the different habitats found throughout the region. Some popular birding locations in Qinghai include:

Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the black-necked crane, great bustard, and steppe eagle.

Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where you can spot the beautiful black-necked crane and the elegant Tibetan snowcock.

Qaidam Basin, which is known for its desert and grassland habitats, and is home to many species of birds such as the black-tailed godwit, Demoiselle crane, and the great bustard.

When is the best time to do a birding trip

The best time to do a birding trip in Qinghai depends on the specific bird species you want to see, as different species have different migration patterns and are present in the area at different times of the year. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Qinghai for birding would be during the spring and summer months.

Spring (April - June) is a great time to visit Qinghai as many migratory bird species pass through the area during this time. This is when you can see a wide variety of birds such as the black-necked crane, the great bustard, the steppe eagle, the Demoiselle crane, and the black-tailed godwit.

Summer (July - September) is also a good time to visit Qinghai, as this is when many bird species breed in the area, including the black-necked crane, the Tibetan snowcock, and the chukar. This is also a good time to see many resident bird species such as the Himalayan snowcock and the Himalayan monal.

It's important to note that weather conditions and bird migration patterns can vary year to year, so it's always best to check with local birding experts or tour companies for the most up-to-date information about the best time to visit for birding.

Qinghai birding itineraries

6-day possible birding itinerary for Qinghai

Day 1: Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province. Take a tour of the city to get acclimated to the area and do some preliminary birding in the local parks and gardens.

Day 2-3: Travel to the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve. This is one of the best birding locations in Qinghai and is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the black-necked crane, great bustard, and steppe eagle. Spend two days exploring the different habitats in the reserve, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests.

Day 4: Drive to Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This is another great birding location in Qinghai and is home to many species of birds such as the black-necked crane, Tibetan snowcock, and the chukar. Spend the day exploring the grasslands and mountains in the area.

Day 5: Travel to Qaidam Basin. This is known for its desert and grassland habitats and is home to many species of birds such as the black-tailed godwit, Demoiselle crane, and the great bustard. Spend the day exploring the different habitats in the basin.

Day 6: Return to Xining and spend the day visiting local parks and gardens, or doing some last-minute birding before departing the province.

It's important to note that the best time to visit Qinghai for birding would be spring and summer, as a lot of migratory bird species pass through the area during these seasons.

You can also customize your itinerary based on the specific bird species you want to see and the timing of your trip. It's also recommended to hire a local guide who can help you find the best spots for birding and give you more information about the birds and their habitats.