Xinjiang Birding Travel Itineraries

Top destinations for a birding trip

Xinjiang is home to a wide variety of bird species. Some popular birding destinations in Xinjiang include:

Kanas Lake: Located in the Altai Mountains, Kanas Lake is known for its large population of swans, geese, and other waterfowl. Visitors can also spot rare species such as the Black Stork and the White-tailed Sea Eagle.

Tianshan Mountains: The Tianshan Mountains offer a wide range of birding opportunities, with species such as the Altai Snowcock, the Himalayan Snowcock, and the Black-billed Capercaillie.

Yining: Known for its wetlands and grasslands, Yining is a great spot for birding, with species such as the Demoiselle Crane, the White-tailed Plover, and the Black-necked Crane.

Tarim River: The Tarim River is home to a wide variety of waterfowl, including the Bar-headed Goose, the Ruddy Shelduck, and the Great Crested Grebe.

Kumtag Desert: The Kumtag Desert is known for its desert-dwelling bird species, such as the Desert Finch, the Desert Sparrow, and the Desert Lark.

The best time to do a birding trip in Xinjiang

Xinjiang is a vast and diverse region, with many different bird habitats and species. The best time to do a birding trip in Xinjiang depends on the specific locations and species you are interested in seeing.

In general, the best time for birding in Xinjiang is during the spring and fall migration seasons. Spring migration usually occurs from April to June, while fall migration happens from August to November. During these periods, many species of birds pass through Xinjiang on their way to and from their breeding grounds.

If you are interested in seeing specific bird species, it's important to research their migration patterns and breeding locations to determine the best time to visit. Some of the best birding locations in Xinjiang include Kanas Lake, Altay Mountains, and Bayinbuluk Grassland.

It's also important to note that Xinjiang is a region with extreme weather conditions. The summers can be very hot, and the winters can be very cold, so it's important to plan your trip accordingly and bring appropriate gear and clothing.

Birding itineraries in Xinjiang

Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Baiyanggou - Bayanbulak Grassland - Karamay

Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi and explore the city.

Day 2: Take a day trip to the Heavenly Lake, known for its stunning scenery and birdwatching opportunities.

Day 3: Visit Baiyanggou, a scenic area with diverse bird species such as Azure Tit and Altai Accentor.

Day 4-5: Travel to Bayanbulak Grassland, one of the largest grasslands in China and a birdwatcher's paradise. Look out for species such as the Demoiselle Crane, Saker Falcon, and White-winged Snowfinch.

Day 6: Return to Urumqi and take a train or bus to Karamay. Visit the Karamay Wetland Park, home to many species of waterbirds such as the Eurasian Spoonbill and Black-winged Stilt.

Kanas Lake - Burqin - Hemu Village - Altay City

Day 1: Fly to Altay City and explore the city.

Day 2-3: Visit Kanas Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains and home to many bird species such as the Black Woodpecker and Eurasian Jay.

Day 4: Travel to Burqin and visit the Five-Colored Beach. Look out for species such as the White-tailed Sea Eagle and Pallas's Gull.

Day 5-6: Explore Hemu Village, a traditional Kazakh village with many bird species such as the Lammergeier and Golden Eagle.

Tacheng - Fuhai - Karamay

Day 1: Fly to Tacheng and explore the city.

Day 2-3: Visit Fuhai, a scenic area with diverse bird species such as the Himalayan Snowcock and Black-throated Accentor.

Day 4-5: Travel to Karamay and visit the Karamay Wetland Park and the Karamay Devil City. Look out for species such as the Common Coot and Saker Falcon.

These itineraries are just a starting point and can be customized to fit your birdwatching interests and preferences. Xinjiang has a rich diversity of bird species and offers many opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts. Make sure to pack appropriate gear such as binoculars and a bird guidebook, and check local birdwatching resources for the latest sightings.