Experience the incomparable natural wonders of China with Wild Latitudes. Explore the mist-shrouded forests and alpine grasslands of Sichuan Province, where a rich diversity of birds awaits you, including colorful pheasants and songbirds found nowhere else. Here, in the heart of China, we’ll visit habitats that are home to mammals like the Red Panda, Leopard Cat, and the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey. This region is also the stronghold of China’s most iconic and beloved animal: the Giant Panda.

Our adventure begins in the city of Chengdu, in the fertile lowlands of the Sichuan Basin. After enjoying a bit of the local culture, we’ll venture into the wild, traveling through bamboo forests to reach the Tibetan Plateau. The ecosystems we’ll visit along the way are home to over 300 bird species.

On our journey, we’ll witness stunning scenery and experience a rich array of Asian cultures… Much of our time will be spent in the homelands of Tibetan ethnic groups. This tour is designed to be an educational, inspiring, and fun adventure.

EXTENSION TRIP: CULTURAL WONDERS OF CHINA Get an even deeper understanding of China by joining us on this 6-day extension. The focus will be on several spectacular cultural wonders, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Terracotta Army of Xi’an, The Forbidden City in Beijing, and the Great Wall of China. We’ll take the bullet train north from Chengdu, first to Xi’an, then onward to Beijing. As we learn about Chinese history and culture, we’ll be sure to include some fun birding experiences along the way.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Arrive in Chengdu, the biggest city in China's Sichuan Province. Time allowing, we'll do some easy biring in town after checking in at the hotel.

Day 2

Today we'll enjoy some cultural activites, including an archaeological site and a Sichuan Opera performance.

Day 3

Birding in a city park in the morning, then travel northeast into the foothills of the Tibetan Plateau.

Day 4

A full day birding and exploring Tangjiahe Nature Reserve.

Day 5

Birding and searching for Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys.

Day 6

Visiting the Tibetan town of Chuanzhusi, and birding the Ruoergai Grasslands.

Day 7

Birding the coniferous forest of Baxi and the Flower Lake wetlands.

Day 8

Traveling from Ruoergei to Maerkang, biring at some stops along the way.

Day 9

Birding all morning at one of Sichuan Province's best birding sites: Mengbi Mountain. Then travel to town of Rilong.

Day 10

Exploring the high elevation habitats of Balang Mountain.

Day 11

Birding the mid-elevation forests of Wolong National Nature Reserve.

Day 12

Visting the Wolong Panda Base, a facilty for panda research, captive breeding, and conservation.

Day 13

Birding on Wawu Mountain.

Day 14

Morning Birding on Wawu Mountain, then drive back to Chengdu, completing a grand loop.

Day 15

Departures or staying one more night in Chengdu before the extension trip...

Cultural Wonders of China Extension Itinerary

Day 1

Travel from Chengdu to Xi'an by bullet train. We'll make a stop to go birding.

Day 2

A day to experience the amazing archaeological site of the Terracotta Army.

Day 3

Visiting Xi'an' Ancient City Wall, then travel to Taiyun by bullet train.

Day 4

A morning of birding, then onward to Beijing by bullet train.

Day 5

Visting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.

Day 6

Vist to the Temple of Heaven in the morning, then departures.

START DATE: Jun 7, 2025

DURATION: 15 days (+6 for Extension)

GROUP SIZE: Up to 12

TRIP FOCUS: Birds, Wildlife, and Culture

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground transportation
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Excursions and park fees
• Guiding services

YOUR GUIDES

Ivan Phillipsen, Co-owner of Wild Latitudes, is a passionate naturalist with a background in scientific research. He holds an M.S. in biology and a Ph.D. in zoology. Natural history is Ivan’s true passion and what he is most excited to teach to others. Although he is fascinated by just about every aspect of nature, Ivan is particularly fond of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, plants, and geology. Everything is interconnected in nature and Ivan takes a holistic approach when teaching about the natural world.

Steve Backus is an avid birder and naturalist with a background in the maritime industry hailing from North Carolina. An infinitely curious person by nature, he is drawn to explore the life around him and the environments they occupy. As a mariner, waterbirds are of particular interest to Steve and his time as a ship’s naturalist, a captain of wildlife cruises, a point counter at migration hot-spots, and many other employments and community science efforts has deepened his appreciation of birds.