2 Days Yingjiang County Birding Tour

Arrival in Yingjiang County (盈江县):
Arrive in Yingjiang County, located in the southwest corner of Yunnan Province, and be greeted by your local bird guide.

Drive to Shiti Village (石梯村):
Head to Shiti Village (approximately 1-2 hours by car) to reach the Hornbill Valley. The area is known for its high biodiversity, including hornbills, pheasants, and numerous other bird species.

Birding at No. 2 Bird Pond (2号鸟塘):
Early morning is the best time to spot birds. Head to Shiti Village No. 2 Bird Pond, where you can photograph rare species such as:

• Great Hornbill (双角犀鸟)

• Wreathed Hornbill (冠斑犀鸟)

• Grey Peacock-Pheasant (灰孔雀雉)
  This area also harbors over 60 species of birds in the early morning, including the Silver Pheasant (银雉) and various woodpecker species.

Rainforest Hiking:
After your birding session, enjoy a rainforest hike in the Hornbill Valley, where you will search for species such as:

• Red-legged Falcon (红腿小隼)

• Multicolor Thrush (八色鸫)
  Explore the rich flora and fauna, and observe birds as they thrive in this unique environment.

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM):

Tongbigan Nature Reserve (铜壁关自然保护区):
In the afternoon, head to the Tongbigan Nature Reserve. This is a prime location for observing tropical birds, with a variety of species living in the dense rainforests.

• Look out for the Copper-winged Pheasant (铜翅水雉) and the Yellow-billed Tern (黄嘴河燕鸥).

• Walk along nature trails and capture the beauty of the ecosystem, from butterflies to bird species like the White-throated Kingfisher (白喉翠鸟).

Keibangya Lake Birding (凯邦亚湖):
Visit Keibangya Lake, a picturesque area ideal for birdwatching, where you can capture the following species:

• Yellow-billed Tern (黄嘴河燕鸥)

• Copper-winged Pheasant (铜翅水雉)

Return to Shiti Village (石梯村):
As you drive back, stop along the way for a birdwatching session to observe various species along the roadsides and nearby habitats.

Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM):

Night Birdwatching:
After dinner, take a night tour in the area to spot nocturnal birds.

• Look for Brown Wood Owl (褐林鸮) and the Forest Eagle Owl (林雕鸮).
  The night birdwatching experience is magical, with the sounds of the jungle all around you.

Ethnic Dance and Music Performance (Optional):
Optional cultural immersion—experience the local Lisu (傈僳族) ethnic group’s music and dance. Enjoy a performance of traditional ethnic songs and dances to end the day on a cultural note.

Overnight:
Stay in Stone Terrace Inn (石梯村客栈) or a local guesthouse in Yingjiang County.

Morning (5:00 AM - 9:00 AM):

Yingjiang National Wetland Park (盈江国家湿地公园):
Start your day with a visit to Yingjiang National Wetland Park, an important birding area where you can spot some of the region's rarest species.

• Look for Alexander Parrot (亚历山大鹦鹉), a species with vibrant plumage and a relatively small population in the wild.

• Observe Chestnut-capped Babbler (栗颈噪鹛), a species that thrives in the wetland and reed bed areas.

Morning Birding at the Da Yingjiang Riverbank (大盈江):
Head to the Da Yingjiang River for more birdwatching, focusing on waterfowl and shorebirds:

• Grey-capped Tern (灰燕鸻)

• Red-billed Starling (红嘴椋鸟)

Mid-Morning (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM):

Cultural Tour - Yunyanta (允燕塔):
Visit the Yunyanta Tower, a traditional Buddhist structure with Southern Buddhist architectural features. It offers an interesting glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage.

Visit Mangyun Ancient Town (芒允古镇):
Visit Mangyun Ancient Town, a historic town that was once a Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) hub. Explore the old town and learn about its historical significance to trade and culture. Here, you can also discover the Miao ethnic culture and enjoy the peaceful, slow-paced life of the town.

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

Taipingnong Xiu Pottery Factory (太平弄秀土陶厂):
Visit a traditional pottery workshop in Taipingnong, where you can try your hand at making Dai pottery (傣陶) and learn about its unique techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Xiang'e Lake Boating (香额湖泛舟):
In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on Xiang’e Lake. While on the boat, observe more bird species such as:

• Yellow-billed Tern (黄嘴河燕鸥)

• Copper-winged Pheasant (铜翅水雉)
  The boat ride is a great way to enjoy both the birdlife and the natural beauty of the area.

Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM):

Return to Yingjiang County (盈江县):
Head back to Yingjiang County, with an opportunity to capture any additional bird species along the way. If time permits, take a quick stop at Da Yingjiang River for a final birding session.

End of Tour
The tour concludes with your return to Yingjiang County for a departure or transfer to your next destination.