Not only does China include 7% of the land mass of the entire world, but it straddles two zoogeographical zones, the Palearctic and (to a lesser degree) the Oriental Zone, a characteristic shared by only one other country, and one which is much smaller – Mexico.

It is a country of great extremes, from the highest peaks of the frozen Himalayas (+8848 meters) to the below-sea-level desert of the Turpan basin (-155 m). It stretches from the frigid tundra to the north to the tropical forests of the south, from the mountains in the west to the oceans in the east. China possesses around 25 million hectares of wetlands, including 11 million hectares of lakes and 2 million hectares of mudflats and salt marshes, all of which are important habitats for waterfowl and other species, as they migrate between summer breeding grounds and wintering areas.

China’s resident birds are special too – it is well-known for its pheasants – 62 species out of a world count of about 200 species are found within its borders. It contains half of the world’s laughing-thrushes, and 9 of the world’s 14 species of cranes migrate through, or live in, China. Over 100 species are endemic to China, or are marginally found outside its borders. China also has at least one monotypic family – the rare and sought-after Pink-tailed Bunting.

This biodiversity attracts birders from all over the world. We provide a variety of bird-watching tours, from short excursions into the bird-rich areas of Qinghai, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Beidahe, and the Shandong wetlands of the Yellow River, to more-extensive tours into Qinghai, Sichuan, and the Tibetan plateau! We also offer tailor-made trips for those seeking certain species or families, and for photographers. Join us for a never-to-be-forgotten adventure!