Highlights of the Trip

Tengchong: Ecological Wonders of Volcanoes and Wetlands

• Tengchong Volcano National Geological Park (腾冲火山国家地质公园):

• Beihai Wetland (北海湿地): Take a boat ride through the reeds of the wetland, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this natural area. This is a habitat for many water birds, such as egrets and Common Moorhens, which dance gracefully on the water, creating a touching picture. You can also wait at the birdwatching spots around the wetland for the appearance of other rare birds.

Yingjiang World Hornbill Valley: Paradise of Hornbills

• Hornbill Valley Nature Reserve (犀鸟谷保护区): This is one of the main habitats of hornbills and the core area of our birdwatching tour. Under the guidance of professional guides, you can enter the reserve and have the opportunity to observe the daily life of hornbills up close, including their foraging, nesting, and flying behaviors. In addition, you may also see other rare birds, such as the Green Peafowl and the Black-necked Long-tailed Pheasant, which will be a feast for your eyes.
• Birdwatching Spots and Hides: We have carefully arranged several high-quality birdwatching spots and hides for you, allowing you to observe and photograph the birds without disturbing them. With professional birdwatching equipment and a comfortable environment, you will enjoy an ultimate birdwatching experience.

Professional Guide Team

Unique Accommodation and Cuisine

• Tengchong: Stay in local characteristic homestays and experience the local folk culture. The homestays are comfortable and well-equipped, allowing you to rest fully after a day of birdwatching.
• Yingjiang: Choose to stay in an eco-hotel near the reserve, which is convenient for you to visit the birdwatching spots at any time. The hotel surroundings are beautiful and the air is fresh, making you feel as if you are in the embrace of nature.
• Culinary Experience: Taste local specialties, such as Tengchong’s rice noodles (腾冲饵丝) and Dai ethnic cuisine in Yingjiang (盈江傣族风味菜肴). These delicious dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also help you better understand the local food culture.

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure Point – Tengchong

• Morning: Arrive in Tengchong, check into the hotel, and take a short rest.
• Afternoon: Head to Tengchong Volcano National Geological Park (腾冲火山国家地质公园) to start your birdwatching journey. Here, you will have the opportunity to see birds such as the Red-billed Blue Magpie and the Himalayan Golden-backed Woodpecker.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near the volcano park, tasting local specialties.

Day 2: Tengchong

• Morning: Take a boat tour of Beihai Wetland (北海湿地), enjoying the natural scenery and observing the activities of water birds.
• Afternoon: Continue to observe birds at the birdwatching spots around Beihai Wetland, experiencing the diversity of wetland ecology.
• Evening: Return to the hotel to rest and enjoy the local nightlife.

Day 3: Tengchong – Yingjiang

• Morning: Travel by car to Yingjiang, enjoying the natural scenery along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Yingjiang, check into the hotel, take a short rest, and then head to the Hornbill Valley Nature Reserve (犀鸟谷保护区). Under the guidance of professional guides, enter the reserve to search for hornbills.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near the reserve, tasting Dai ethnic cuisine.

Day 4: Yingjiang – Departure Point

• Morning: Continue to observe birds in the Hornbill Valley Nature Reserve (犀鸟谷保护区), enjoying your last moments of birdwatching.
• Afternoon: Travel by car back to the departure point, concluding your delightful birdwatching journey.

Items to Bring:

1. Binoculars (Essential) – We recommend avoiding binoculars with red coatings.

2. Bird books (or other related materials)

3. Pen and notebook

4. Camera and related equipment

5. Laptop and accessories, USB drive, etc.

6. Mobile phones and other electronic devices (and related charging equipment)

7. Cash (We suggest exchanging foreign currency in advance)

8. Mosquito repellent and other commonly used outdoor medications

9. Clothing: Quick-drying clothes, rainproof jackets, and some warm clothing and change of clothes. Outdoor clothes should be long-sleeved and long-legged. Outdoor shoes (preferably waterproof) are recommended. Avoid brightly colored clothing, especially red, white, or yellow.

10. Flashlight

11. Raincoat and umbrella (Essential)

12. Luggage (Preferably hands-free)

13. Water bottle (Essential)

14. Dry snacks (Appropriate amount)

15. Common medicines

16. ID card (Essential)

Important Notes:

1. Be punctual for all meetups.

2. Follow the guide’s instructions; do not act independently or travel alone.

3. During natural observation, avoid speaking loudly.

4. Keep detailed records during the observation process and summarize the species you have seen at night, as instructed by the guide.

5. Take care of public property.

6. Respect the environment and avoid littering. Please bring your own trash bags.

7. Be mindful of mosquito bites and take measures to prevent rain and sun exposure.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel insurance;
• All optional programs;

Travel Tips:

• Since it’s a long journey and challenging, it’s suggested to prepare high-energy food, a bottle of water, a walking stick, fleece Jackets, a kneecap, a head lamp, and do not push yourself to limits.
• Hikers should make a reasonable daily plan according to their physical strength. Usually, you should walk 4-5 km per hour and have a rest under a tree or pavilion for 15 minutes.
• Apart from the necessities, try to shrink your bag. Don’t forget to wear a sunhat and take with a bottle of water in case of sunstroke.
• It’s suggested to hike with others and take care each other as Gaoligongshan Reserve is undeveloped with vast wild animals.
• Carry with a raincoat and a warm clothing as the weather is changeable.