Arrive in Dali and acclimatize to the altitude. If time permits, stroll through Dali Ancient Town, set between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, renowned for the poetic scenery of “Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon.” Located within the Hengduan Mountains biodiversity hotspot, the Cangshan–Erhai landscape forms an important ecological corridor supporting rich endemic flora and fauna, with nearby forests known habitat for species such as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner, where your guide introduces the itinerary and prepares you for the wildlife journey ahead.

Dinner included

Elevation: 2090 m

Travel to Cangshan Mountain, the iconic range above Dali and the southern end of the Yunling Mountains. Taking the Ximatan cableway into the alpine zone, we explore the forests and slopes in search of wildlife such as the Red Panda, along with other montane birds and mammals that inhabit this high-elevation ecosystem. With its nineteen peaks rising above Erhai Lake, Cangshan forms the classic Dali landscape known as “Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon.”

In the afternoon, descend to Erhai Lake, an important stopover for migratory birds. Here we observe waterbirds such as Purple Swamphens, Common Pochards, egrets, and coots.

Target Species:

• China’s Endemic Species: 白点噪鶥White-speckled Laughing thrush, 褐胁雀鹛Rusty-capped Fulvetta

• Other Species: 小熊猫Red Panda, 血雉Blood Pheasant, 白腹锦鸡Lady Amherst's Pheasant, 淡绿鵙鹛Green Shrike-babbler, 棕额长尾山雀Black-browed Bushtit, 高山旋木雀Bar-tailed Treecreeper, 紫水鸡Purple Swamphen, 噪大苇莺Clamorous Reed-Warbler, 赤颈鸭Eurasian Wigeon, 红头潜鸭Common Pochard, 彩鹮Glossy Ibis

3 meals included

Elevation: 2090-3902 m

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Travel to Laojun Mountain, part of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site, to search for wildlife in its primeval forests. Today’s main target is the White-speckled Laughingthrush, a critically endangered species endemic to China. While exploring the mountain forests, we also discuss local conservation efforts and the challenges faced by endangered wildlife.

In the afternoon, continue the journey toward Tacheng, stopping at the famous First Bend of the Jinsha River for a view of this dramatic landscape. Arrive in Tacheng in the evening, gateway to the forests inhabited by the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.

Target Species:

• China’s Endemic Species: 白点噪鶥White-speckled Laughingthrush, 大噪鶥Giant Laughingthrush

• Other Species: 黑颈长尾雉Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, 灰翅噪鹛Moustached Laughingthrush, 白眉林鸲White-browed Bush Robin, Wallcreeper, 云南鸦雀Eye-ringed Parrotbill, 黄颈拟蜡嘴雀Collared Grosbeak

3 meals included

Elevation: 2000 - 2500 m

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Travel to Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park to search for the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, one of China’s most remarkable primates and a highlight of the journey. We may also encounter birds such as Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant and various laughingthrushes.

In the afternoon, continue to Shangri-La and visit Dukezong Ancient Town, an important stop on the historic Tea Horse Road. Here you will see the world’s largest prayer wheel.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and check in at the hotel in Shangri-La, gateway to the highlands of northwestern Yunnan.

Target Species:

• China’s Endemic Species: 滇金丝猴Black-and-white Snub-nosed Monkey

3 meals included

Elevation: 2000 - 3400 m

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Travel to Napa Lake (Yila Grassland), a seasonal wetland in the Hengduan Mountains and an important wintering site for migratory birds. Birdwatching takes place around the lake and at the nearby Alpine Botanical Garden, overlooking the wetlands, where species such as the Black-necked Crane, White-tailed Eagle, and Bar-headed Goose can often be observed.

In the afternoon, continue to Benzilan, a small town along the Jinsha River and a historic stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Target Species:

• China’s Endemic Species: 宝兴鹛雀Rufous-tailed Babbler

• Other Species: 黑颈鹤Black-necked Crane, 斑头雁Bar-headed Goose, 白尾海雕White-tailed Eagle, 草原雕Tawny Eagle, 白肩雕Eastern Imperial Eagle, 赤麻鸭Ruddy Shelduck, 黑鹳Black Stork , 灰头灰雀Grey-headed Bullfinch, 曙红朱雀Pink-rumped Rosefinch, 黑冠山雀Rufous-vented Tit, 花彩雀莺White-browed Tit-warbler

3 meals included

Elevation: 2108 - 3400 m

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Depart before sunrise and drive to Baima Snow Mountain for morning birdwatching.

Continue across the mountain toward Meili Snow Mountain, stopping at a viewpoint to see Kawagebo (6,740 m), the highest peak of the range and one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan culture. The nearby Mingyong Glacier descends from the slopes of the mountain.

Return to Shangri-La in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Target Species:

• China’s Endemic Species: 高山雀鹛Chinese Fulvetta

• Other Species: 血雉Blood Pheasant, 高原山鹑Tibetan Partridge, 雪鸽Snow Pigeon, 酒红朱雀Vinaceous Rosefinch, 黄腹啄花鸟Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, 花彩雀莺White-browed Tit-warbler

3 meals included

Elevaton: 2500m-4000m

Drive to Baihualing on the eastern slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains, one of China’s top birdwatching areas with more than 300 recorded bird species. The journey crosses the dramatic Nujiang (Salween) Gorge.

Arrive in the afternoon and begin birdwatching in the forests around Baihualing, searching for species such as the Blood Pheasant and other mountain birds. Overnight in Baihualing.

Target Species: 血雉Blood Pheasant, 巨松鼠Giant Squirrel, 血雀Scarlet Finch, 剑嘴鹛 Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, 楔嘴穗鹛 Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler, 红喉山鹧鸪 Rufous-throated Partridge, 环颈山鹧鸪 Hill Partridge, 棕胸竹鸡 Mountain Bamboo Partridge, 鳞胸鹪鹛 Scaly-breasted Cupwing, 金翅噪鹛 Assam aughingthrush, 纯色噪鹛 Scaly Laughingthrush, 赤尾噪鹛 Red-tailed Laughingthrush, 长尾奇鹛 Long-tailed Sibia

3 meals included

Elevation: 1400m

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Set out early for a full day of hiking and birdwatching in the forests of the Gaoligong Mountains, searching for target species along mountain trails. Species such as the Stripe-breasted Woodpecker may be encountered during the walk.

During the hike, there may also be an opportunity to visit a natural hot-spring waterfall hidden in the mountains.

Target Species: 血雉Blood Pheasant, 巨松鼠Giant Squirrel，血雀Scarlet Finch, 剑嘴鹛 Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, 楔嘴穗鹛 Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler, 红喉山鹧鸪 Rufous-throated Partridge, 环颈山鹧鸪 Hill Partridge, 棕胸竹鸡 Mountain Bamboo Partridge, 鳞胸鹪鹛 Scaly-breasted Cupwing, 金翅噪鹛 Assam aughingthrush, 纯色噪鹛 Scaly Laughingthrush, 赤尾噪鹛 Red-tailed Laughingthrush, 长尾奇鹛 Long-tailed Sibia

3 meals included

Elevation: 1400m

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Drive from Baihualing to Mangshi, descending from the Gaoligong Mountains into the tropical basin of western Yunnan. Along the way, observe the changing landscapes and watch for birds.

In the afternoon, search for the Shan State Langur, an Endangered primate that lives in family groups in the forests around Mangshi.

Target Species: 中缅灰叶猴Shan State Langur

3 meals included

Hiking Time: 2-3 hour

Travel to the Shan State Langur Reserve and track the Shan State Langur together with local rangers.

In the afternoon, drive to Wuliang Mountain, the key habitat of the Western Black Crested Gibbon.

Target Species: 中缅灰叶猴Shan State Langur

3 meals included

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Spend the day searching for the Western Black Crested Gibbon in the forests of Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve, following ranger patrol routes into the species’ natural habitat.

The Western Black Crested Gibbon is a Critically Endangered primate found only in a small region of Yunnan and neighboring areas, and Wuliangshan is one of its most important remaining habitats. Families live high in the forest canopy and are often located by their distinctive morning duet calls that echo through the mountains.

Target Species: 西黑冠长臂猿Western Black Crested Gibbon

3 meals included

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

In the morning, we make the most of our final opportunity to look for the western black crested gibbon.

Depart for Dali City in the afternoon no later than 14:00. Enjoy dinner together upon arrival, marking the end of the journey.

Target Species: 西黑冠长臂猿Western Black Crested Gibbon

3 meals included

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

The guide will bid you farewell at the hotel and see you off to your vehicle for the transfer to the airport, marking the end of our unforgettable wildlife journey.