Top 10 most beautiful bird sanctuaries in China

Birds are the most abundant and diverse group of terrestrial vertebrates on Earth, with over 10,000 species worldwide. According to the classification system of the International Ornithologists' Union (IOU), there are 11,093 recognized bird species globally. Meanwhile, BirdLife International's classification standard lists 11,162 species, with other classification systems reporting similar numbers. However, due to human activities, many bird species have experienced drastic changes in their habitats, with some facing the threat of extinction.

To protect birds and their habitats, China has actively established nature reserves in recent years, focusing on artificial breeding, domestication, and rewilding programs while strengthening conservation efforts for endangered species. But do you know which are the most important bird reserves in China? Today, let’s explore the top ten bird nature reserves in the country!

1. Yancheng Red-Crowned Crane Nature Reserve

(4A Scenic Area / UNESCO Biosphere Reserve / National Nature Reserve / National Marine Protected Area / World Heritage Site)

• Location: Tinghu District, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province

The Yancheng Red-Crowned Crane Nature Reserve, also known as the UNESCO Yancheng Biosphere Reserve, covers an area of 247,260 hectares. It is one of China’s largest coastal wetland reserves and a global biodiversity hotspot. Recognized as one of the most significant bird conservation areas in the country, it has been praised as "China’s most beautiful bird reserve."

The reserve primarily protects rare wildlife such as the red-crowned crane and the tidal wetland ecosystem they depend on. Every spring and autumn, over three million shorebirds pass through Yancheng during migration, with nearly one million waterfowl choosing to overwinter here. 

This reserve is home to the largest wintering population of red-crowned cranes in the world, with approximately 1,000 cranes residing here from November to March each year. Additionally, it provides habitat for species like the Saunders’s gull, Chinese water deer, reed parrotbill, hooded crane, white-naped crane, Siberian crane, oriental stork, and black stork.

2. Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve

(National Nature Reserve / Ramsar Wetland / Important Bird Area)

• Location: Jiangxi Province

Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve is the largest freshwater wetland reserve in China and one of the most critical wintering grounds for migratory birds in East Asia. Covering approximately 224,000 hectares, it provides habitat for over 98% of the world’s Siberian cranes during winter, along with large populations of white-naped cranes, hooded cranes, swan geese, and tundra swans. Every winter, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds gather here, making it one of the most spectacular birdwatching sites in the world.

3. Zhalong National Nature Reserve

(National Nature Reserve / Ramsar Wetland / Important Bird Area)

• Location: Heilongjiang Province

Zhalong National Nature Reserve is an essential breeding ground for waterfowl in northeastern China, covering about 210,000 hectares of wetlands. It is home to one of the largest populations of red-crowned cranes, as well as other endangered species like the white-naped crane, hooded crane, and oriental stork. The reserve plays a crucial role in protecting wetland ecosystems and migratory bird habitats.

4. Xianghai National Nature Reserve

(National Nature Reserve / Ramsar Wetland / UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)

• Location: Jilin Province

Xianghai National Nature Reserve covers approximately 105,467 hectares of wetlands, grasslands, and forests. It is one of the most important breeding and migration stopover sites for rare birds in northern China. The reserve is home to numerous endangered species, including the red-crowned crane, white-naped crane, hooded crane, and great bustard.

5. Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve

(National Nature Reserve / Ramsar Wetland / Important Bird Area)

• Location: Shanghai

Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve is a vital stopover site for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Every year, millions of shorebirds and waterfowl rest and forage in this tidal wetland habitat. Key species include the black-faced spoonbill, reed parrotbill, Saunders’s gull, and various shorebirds.

6. Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve

(National Nature Reserve / Ramsar Wetland / Important Bird Area)

• Location: Shandong Province

The Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve spans over 153,000 hectares and is one of China’s youngest and most dynamic wetland ecosystems. It provides an essential habitat for oriental storks, Saunders’s gulls, red-crowned cranes, and numerous other migratory birds.

7. Napahai Wetland Nature Reserve

(Provincial Nature Reserve / Important Bird Area)

• Location: Yunnan Province

Napahai Wetland Nature Reserve is a high-altitude wetland in the Hengduan Mountains, providing a crucial wintering site for black-necked cranes, one of the rarest crane species in the world. The reserve also supports large populations of bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, and other waterfowl.

8. Beidaihe Bird Watching Area

(Important Bird Area / Migratory Bird Watching Hotspot)

• Location: Hebei Province

Beidaihe is one of the most famous bird migration hotspots in East Asia. Located along the Bohai Sea, it is an essential stopover for thousands of migratory birds each spring and autumn. Birdwatchers from around the world visit Beidaihe to observe raptors, shorebirds, and passerines during migration seasons.

9. Nanhui Dongtan Wetland

(Provincial Nature Reserve / Important Bird Area)

• Location: Shanghai

Nanhui Dongtan Wetland is an essential part of the Yangtze River estuary ecosystem, providing a stopover and wintering site for migratory birds such as the hooded crane, black-faced spoonbill, and various shorebirds. The reserve plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the region.

10. Caohai National Nature Reserve

(National Nature Reserve / Important Bird Area)

• Location: Guizhou Province

Caohai National Nature Reserve is the largest freshwater lake in southwestern China and a critical wintering site for black-necked cranes. It also supports numerous other waterfowl species, making it a key conservation area for China’s inland wetlands.

These ten reserves represent China's commitment to bird conservation and the protection of critical habitats. By preserving these vital ecosystems, we can help ensure the survival of countless bird species for future generations.

animal tags： Bird sanctuary birds