Sichuan China’s Iconic Birds and Mammals

There’s never a 100% guarantee when observing wildlife. Animals live freely in vast natural habitats and follow their own movement patterns. To increase the chances of sightings, we adjust our route based on real-time information from our local network and head to areas where target species are more likely to appear. For particularly elusive bird species, we also make use of birding hides that offer quiet observation points to improve the likelihood of encounters.

Mammals: Around 50 meters
Birds: Varies by species — as close as 3 meters, and generally within 100 meters.

Use a camera model you are comfortable with. Bring extra batteries.

A 500mm lens or longer is recommended, as it works well for most mammal and bird photography situations. Binoculars (8x to 10x) are also very useful for your birding.

April to June and October are the most suitable months for observation. The spring window (April–June) is the only time to see the local flora in full bloom. During the autumn and winter months, please note that the elevation ranges and encounter rates for key target species may shift.

Unlike regular sightseeing tours, our itinerary is designed around the activity patterns of different wildlife species. Most animals are more active at dawn and dusk, while nocturnal species are best observed at night.

This schedule may be different from what you're used to during traveling. We also ask you to follow wildlife observational etiquette, and the ****

**Leave No Trace principles:**

- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others

- Most wild animals avoid humans. However, if they feel threatened, they may become aggressive.
- Approaching too closely or acting suddenly (e.g. yelling, running) may trigger defensive behavior.
- Never approach lone young animals or mothers with cubs—mothers will fiercely protect their young.
- Do not touch seemingly friendly animals. Likewise, human pathogens can harm wildlife.
- Follow the guide’s instructions at all times and maintain a safe distance from wildlife.

The difficulty level for our itinerary is largely Level 1 (Easiest), with most days requiring less than 3 hours of walking. At Laba River and Wawu Mountain, full-day birdwatching may involve up to 8 hours of walking on paved/stone paths. However, the walking duration is flexible and dependent on your stamina; you are free to stop and rest in designated areas at any time.

Our featured species live in different habitats, so traveling between multiple observation sites is necessary. That said, **no day is spent only driving**—every route passes through diverse biomes where we may encounter new wildlife.

We also stop for scenery, rest, and any animal sightings along the way. The journey itself is an important part of the experience.

- Transportation:

Depending on the number of participants, we use either a **premium SUV** or a **premium business coach**, all driven by experienced local drivers. Distances between locations are short and speeds are kept slow to ensure a relaxed journey. For your safety, all teams are equipped with first aid kits and ample oxygen supplies, and our guides are trained annually in emergency response.

- Mobile Signal:

Most of our wildlife observation areas are inhabited year-round by local people, so we don’t venture too deep into uninhabited wilderness. As a result, road access and infrastructure are in relatively good shape. However, please note that most observation spots do not have mobile signal. This is normal in pastoral areas, and each location is not far from places where signal is available.

- Insurance:

We will arrange travel insurance for you, and you may also purchase supplemental coverage. Your insurance should cover simple high-altitude hikes. We will not engage in any technical or professional mountaineering activities.

Our lowest point is Chengdu (approx. 500 m) and the highest is the Kangding mountain area (approx. 3,900 m).

Most of the itinerary takes place at lower elevations (1,200–2,000 m). We only enter high-altitude areas for 1–2 days, and the ascent is gradual, so the likelihood of altitude sickness is relatively low.

Our team is experienced in handling altitude-related issues. Please inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell—your safety is our top priority. If serious symptoms occur, we may adjust the route or shorten the trip.

- Get plenty of rest before the trip. Avoid fatigue, stress, and late nights.
- Stay calm and relaxed. Many symptoms are psychological. The body usually adjusts in 1–3 days.
- Keep warm. Large temperature swings and unpredictable weather demand layered clothing. Avoid catching cold by minimizing showers early on.
- In the low-oxygen environment of the plateau, your body uses more energy, so it’s recommended to eat more carbohydrates—such as rice or tsampa. Ideally, 60–70% of your caloric intake should come from carbs. Local foods can also help your body adapt to the altitude.
- Since digestion may be slower at high altitudes, it’s best to eat easily digestible foods, avoid greasy meals and overly spicy ones. Aim for 50–80% fullness per meal, eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day, and include plenty of vegetables to get enough vitamins. Stay hydrated. Glucose in your water can boost circulation and energy.
- Recommended medications (please bring your own):
- Ibuprofen (for headaches)
- Glucose powder
- Loperamide or montmorillonite powder (for diarrhea)
- Rhodiola or acetazolamide (for prevention)
- Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, and ensure adequate sleep.

The biggest temperature difference on this trip occurs between Chengdu and the Kangding mountain area.

In April, Chengdu’s average temperature ranges from **13–22°C**, while nearby Xiaojin County in the Kangding region averages 5–15°C.

We recommend bringing both spring and winter clothing, especially **a warm down jacket and thermal base layers.**

Dress in **layers** for easy adjustment:

- Outer: windproof jacket (shell)
- Mid: fleece or light down
- Inner: moisture-wicking thermal base (preferably wool, avoid cotton)Prepare 2–3 full sets of clothing. Shoes should be waterproof. Bring extra socks and underwear.Don’t forget hat, sunglasses, gloves, and strong sun protection—UV rays at these altitudes are intense.

Please bring shoes that are comfortable for walking outdoors and also waterproof.
We’re always happy to provide further advice and recommendations.

For safety and comfort considerations at high altitude and long distance drving, the recommended age range is 10 to 70 years old. Participants outside this range may still join, but a doctor’s certificate of good health and prior approval from the organizer are required.

All the rooms will be shared. If you have special requirements, please contact your travel planners for additional rooms or other services. In cases where room assignments result in an unavoidable single occupancy due to group size or gender balance, a single supplement fee will apply (please refer to the pricing section above for details).

The cuisine is mainly Sichuan-style, with a preference for spicy flavors.

Drones are not allowed inside the reserves. Please follow your guide’s instructions.

In our tour, Kangding belongs to Tibetan Area.

- Receive butter tea with both hands as a sign of respect.
- Greet elders with “Tashi Delek” and let them pass first.
- Do not touch the head/hair of Tibetan people, and do not wear their hats without consent.
- Don’t point at sacred objects with your finger—use your open palm.
- Always walk **clockwise** around temples, stupas, and mani stones (counter-clockwise in Bon temples).
- Remove hats and stay quiet in temples; do not touch statues or sacred items.
- Do not hang items on prayer flags or cross over them.
- Dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid flashy or revealing clothes.
- Ask permission before photographing people, inside homes, or religious places.
- Avoid loud noise or interrupting daily village life.
- Respect residents' privacy and never trespass on sacred or private property.
- Avoid killing animals in these communities. Do not eat freshly slaughtered meat, especially chicken or fish, in religious villages.

You will be provided with all accommodation, food and transport from dinner mentioned in the itinerary.
Exclusions: visa costs, flights, personal expenses like drinks other than water, oxygen bag, tips for local staff, and any costs outside the expedition dates.

Please check your country's visa requirements for travelling to China.
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will have a 30-day visa-free stay. Our trip lasts for 13 days, leaving plenty of time for departure.
If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, please apply for a visa in advance.

It depends entire on you whether you’d like to tip. It is not required, but the local service workers are happy to receive it.
Tips are usually paid at the end of the planned journey, and you can pass with the tips your acknowledgement of their hard work. If you plan on giving out tips, we can also have our guide arrange it for you.

During your wilderness exploration, you will be offline for most of the times. If needed you may buy a local Chinese SIM card, with which you may receive intermittent signals. At the hotel in Yushu, there is all-day free Wi-fi available.

China’s vast land is home to diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

- Modern Cities – Feel the pulse of Beijing & Shanghai.
- Sacred Lands – Discover Tibet, Qinghai, Yunnan, Sichuan & Guizhou.
- Wild Encounters – Snow leopards, tibetan antelopes in Tibetan; gibbons, black snub-nosed monkeys, Asian elephants, takins, red pandas in southwest of China and even chinese white dolphin & Bryde's whale in Guangxi.
- Cultural Mosaic – Experience the traditions of China’s many ethnic groups & religions.
- Tailor-Made Journeys – Contact us anytime for a customized exploration.

Yes. We take dietary preferences seriously, and vegetarian meals are available throughout the journey.

Please feel free to tell our team your needs before the trip. All locations in our itinerary—whether in cities or rural areas—can provide vegetarian options.