Southwest China Endemic Birds and Endangered Primates (13 days)

Arrive in Dali and acclimatize to the altitude. If time permits, stroll through Dali Ancient Town, set between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, renowned for the poetic scenery of “Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon.” Located within the Hengduan Mountains biodiversity hotspot, the Cangshan–Erhai landscape forms an important ecological corridor supporting rich endemic flora and fauna, with nearby forests known habitat for species such as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner, where your guide introduces the itinerary and prepares you for the wildlife journey ahead.

Travel to Cangshan Mountain, the iconic range above Dali and the southern end of the Yunling Mountains. Taking the Ximatan cableway into the alpine zone, we explore the forests and slopes in search of wildlife such as the Red Panda, along with other montane birds and mammals that inhabit this high-elevation ecosystem. With its nineteen peaks rising above Erhai Lake, Cangshan forms the classic Dali landscape known as “Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon.”

In the afternoon, descend to Erhai Lake, an important stopover for migratory birds. Here we observe waterbirds such as Purple Swamphens, Common Pochards, egrets, and coots.

Target Species:

China’s Endemic Species: White-speckled Laughing thrush, Rusty-capped Fulvetta

Other Species: Red Panda, Blood Pheasant, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Green Shrike-babbler, Black-browed Bushtit, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Purple Swamphen, Clamorous Reed-Warbler, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard, Glossy Ibis

Travel to Laojun Mountain, part of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site, to search for wildlife in its primeval forests. Today’s main target is the White-speckled Laughingthrush, a critically endangered species endemic to China. While exploring the mountain forests, we also discuss local conservation efforts and the challenges faced by endangered wildlife.

In the afternoon, continue the journey toward Tacheng, stopping at the famous First Bend of the Jinsha River for a view of this dramatic landscape. Arrive in Tacheng in the evening, gateway to the forests inhabited by the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.

Target Species:

China’s Endemic Species: White-speckled Laughingthrush, Giant Laughingthrush

Other Species: Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant, Moustached Laughingthrush, White-browed Bush Robin, Wallcreeper, Eye-ringed Parrotbill, Collared Grosbeak

Travel to Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park to search for the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, one of China’s most remarkable primates and a highlight of the journey. We may also encounter birds such as Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant and various laughingthrushes.

In the afternoon, continue to Shangri-La and visit Dukezong Ancient Town, an important stop on the historic Tea Horse Road. Here you will see the world’s largest prayer wheel.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and check in at the hotel in Shangri-La, gateway to the highlands of northwestern Yunnan.

Target Species:

China’s Endemic Species: Black-and-white Snub-nosed Monkey

Travel to Napa Lake (Yila Grassland), a seasonal wetland in the Hengduan Mountains and an important wintering site for migratory birds. Birdwatching takes place around the lake and at the nearby Alpine Botanical Garden, overlooking the wetlands, where species such as the Black-necked Crane, White-tailed Eagle, and Bar-headed Goose can often be observed.

In the afternoon, continue to Benzilan, a small town along the Jinsha River and a historic stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Target Species:

China’s Endemic Species: Rufous-tailed Babbler

Other Species: Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose, White-tailed Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Ruddy Shelduck, Black Stork, Grey-headed Bullfinch, Pink-rumped Rosefinch, Rufous-vented Tit, White-browed Tit-warbler

Depart before sunrise and drive to Baima Snow Mountain for morning birdwatching.

Continue across the mountain toward Meili Snow Mountain, stopping at a viewpoint to see Kawagebo (6,740 m), the highest peak of the range and one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan culture. The nearby Mingyong Glacier descends from the slopes of the mountain.

Return to Shangri-La in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Target Species:

China’s Endemic Species: Chinese Fulvetta

Other Species: Blood Pheasant, Tibetan Partridge, Snow Pigeon, Vinaceous Rosefinch, Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, White-browed Tit-warbler

Drive to Baihualing on the eastern slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains, one of China’s top birdwatching areas with more than 300 recorded bird species. The journey crosses the dramatic Nujiang (Salween) Gorge.

Arrive in the afternoon and begin birdwatching in the forests around Baihualing, searching for species such as the Blood Pheasant and other mountain birds. Overnight in Baihualing.

Target Species:

Blood Pheasant, Giant Squirrel, Scarlet Finch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler, Rufous-throated Partridge, Hill Partridge, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Assam Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Sibia

Set out early for a full day of hiking and birdwatching in the forests of the Gaoligong Mountains, searching for target species along mountain trails. Species such as the Stripe-breasted Woodpecker may be encountered during the walk.

During the hike, there may also be an opportunity to visit a natural hot-spring waterfall hidden in the mountains.

Target Species:

Blood Pheasant, Giant Squirrel, Scarlet Finch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler, Rufous-throated Partridge, Hill Partridge, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Assam Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Sibia

Drive from Baihualing to Mangshi, descending from the Gaoligong Mountains into the tropical basin of western Yunnan. Along the way, observe the changing landscapes and watch for birds.

In the afternoon, search for the Shan State Langur, an Endangered primate that lives in family groups in the forests around Mangshi.

Target Species:Shan State Langur

Travel to the Shan State Langur Reserve and track the Shan State Langur together with local rangers.

In the afternoon, drive to Wuliang Mountain, the key habitat of the Western Black Crested Gibbon.

Target Species: Shan State Langur

Spend the day searching for the Western Black Crested Gibbon in the forests of Wuliang National Nature Reserve, following ranger patrol routes into the species’ natural habitat.

The Western Black Crested Gibbon is a Critically Endangered primate found only in a small region of Yunnan and neighboring areas, and Wuliang Mountain is one of its most important remaining habitats. Families live high in the forest canopy and are often located by their distinctive morning duet calls that echo through the mountains.

Target Species: Western Black Crested Gibbon

In the morning, we make the most of our final opportunity to look for the western black crested gibbon.

Depart for Dali City in the afternoon no later than 14:00. Enjoy dinner together upon arrival, marking the end of the journey.

Target Species: Western Black Crested Gibbon

The guide will bid you farewell at the hotel and see you off to your vehicle for the transfer to the airport, marking the end of our unforgettable wildlife journey.