Introduction
Beijing’s position along the “East Asian-Australasian Flyway” makes it one of the world’s most significant migratory corridors. This guide integrates data from eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) and BirdReport.cn (中国观鸟记录中心) with other local sources to provide an overview of the city’s top birding locations. It includes information about the common birds of Beijing, the best birding sites, tips on how to see the local specialities, travel directions etc. If you have any helpful tips, hints or sites you’d like to see included here, please let me know.
1. A Guide To Beijing’s Common Birds
New to birding? Seen a bird you don’t recognise in the city? Wild Beijing has produced a downloadable PDF guide – available in English and Chinese – showing some of the species most commonly encountered in central Beijing’s parks and green spaces.
Download The PDF Guide To Beijing’s Common Birds (English)
北京常见鸟类指南 (中文)

2. A Guide to Beijing’s Most Sought-after Birds
Want to know where to see Beijing Babbler or Pallas’s Rosefinch? Download this PDF guide on how to find the 10 most sought-after birds in Beijing.

3. The Status of Birds in Beijing
See this page for a basic status of the species recorded in Beijing, including maximum counts where available.
4. Site Guide
Below are some of the best birding sites in Beijing, ranked by a combination of number of checklists and species recorded. The list includes habitat types, the best times to visit, directions (via public transport and by car) and some of the key species you are likely to encounter.
Site 1: Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park (野鸭湖国家湿地公园)

Summary
Total Recorded Species: 369 (as of 2022)
Wild Duck Lake is Beijing’s first national wetland park, part of the largest wetland ecosystem in North China, and the only Ramsar-acredited International Important Wetland in Beijing. Located at the foot of the Badaling Great Wall on the shores of Guanting Reservoir, it covers 6,873 hectares with 3,939 hectares of wetland. With plentiful parking and easy access via boardwalks, it is an excellent site to visit at any time of the year.
Habitats:
Reed beds, open water, muddy shores, wetlands, grass meadow
Key species: breeding Eastern Marsh Harrier (late March to September); breeding Purple Heron (from May to September), breeding Amur Falcon (mid-April to October); good numbers of Common Crane in winter (late October to late March), with the occasional rare crane mixed in (Hooded, Red-crowned, Siberian and Demoiselle all recorded).
Seasonal Diversity:
Spring (Mar-May): Peak spring migration for waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors
Summer (Apr-Aug): Breeding season for raptors, herons, egrets, grebes and reedbed specialists
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Major autumn passage for raptors, waterbirds, with cranes and geese from October.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Excellent for crane concentrations and wintering raptors
Travel Directions
Public Transport: Take the high-speed train from Beijing North or Qinghe Station to Yanqing Station (approx. 40 mins), then taxi for about 20 mins to the park. Alternatively, take Bus 919 Express from Deshengmen to “Yanqing Dongguan Station,” then transfer to Bus Y46.
Driving: Navigate to “Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park.” Take the G6 Jingzang Expressway, exit at Kangzhuang, and follow signs for about 10 minutes.
Average Journey Time: ~1.5 hours each way by car
Access Notes: Open 08:30-17:00, entrance fee 50 RMB
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Site 2: Shahe Reservoir (沙河水库) and Associated Sites

Total Recorded Species: 324+
Officially known as Wenyu River and Shahe Reservoir Wetland, this site is nicknamed “Zuihu” (醉湖 – Drunk Lake) by local birders for its beautiful morning light. Located about 14 km northwest of the city centre, it’s one of the nearest and easily accessible wetland areas for Beijing birders. According to “自然之友” (Friends of Nature), it is a perennially top-ranked birding hotspot, with at least 324 species recorded . The newly opened Future Science City Birdwatching Theme Park on the south bank offers excellent facilities.
Key associated sites within the Shahe Reservoir complex that contribute to this high species total include:
Shahe Reservoir (沙河水库): The main body of the reservoir, viewable from the north and south sides and from the dam in the east
Shahe Reservoir–North Shore (沙河水库–北岸): A productive area for waterbirds.
Shahe Reservoir–Gonghuacheng Peninsula (沙河水库–巩华城半岛): Probably the most popular site as it juts out into the reservoir, offering perhaps the best views of various parts of the reservoir. Particularly good for resting waterbirds.
Habitats:
Reservoir, wetlands, reed beds, occasional mudflats/muddy edges (depending on water level), peninsulas, shorelines.
Seasonal Diversity:
Spring (Mar-May): Peak waterbird migration, including good concentrations of Mongolian Gulls, Great Cormorants etc.; can be good for raptor migration, too, in the right conditions.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Breeding birds including herons, egrets, oriental reed warblers.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Return migration, especially waterbirds.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Depending on ice cover, can hold good numbers of wintering ducks with smaller numbers of geese and swans.
Travel Directions:
Public Transport: Take Subway Line Changping Line (昌平线) to “Shahe University Park” Station, then taxi or bus to reservoir area. Buses 670 and 945 pass near the area. For the Gonghuacheng Peninsula, take the Changping Line to GonghuaCheng 巩华城 station and walk north to the shore before heading east onto the peninsula. For the north shore, alight at Shahe Station and walk or rent a bike to head south to the shore.
Driving: Navigate to “Shahe Reservoir” (沙河水库) in Changping District. Access along roads bordering reservoir. Future Science City Birdwatching Theme Park is on the south bank. The North Shore and Gonghuacheng Peninsula are accessible via local roads on the northern side. Note that there is no parking at the dam at the eastern end.
Average Journey Time: ~1 hour by car or subway + taxi.
Access Notes: Open reservoir area, not a ticketed park. South bank park has dedicated birding facilities.
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Site 3: Olympic Forest Park (奥林匹克森林公园)

The Olympic Forest Park is arguably the best of Beijing’s parks for birding. It is a good place to see some of the reedbed specialists such as Reed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis heudei 震旦鸦雀 Zhèn dàn yā què), a relatively recent colonist, as well as a host of migratory species. Birds in this park are generally more tolerant of humans and are often relatively approachable. Photo by Terry Townshend.
Summary
Total Recorded Species: 307
Olympic Forest Park is the largest urban green space in Asia and a designated biodiversity demonstration zone in Beijing. Built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it has become the highest-traffic birding site in Beijing according to BirdReport.cn statistics. With over 300 species recorded, it rivals many natural reserves. A good place to see wetland species such as Reed Parrotbill.
Habitats:
Urban woodland, wetlands, artificial lakes, grasslands, reed beds
Seasonal Diversity:
Spring (Apr-May): Peak passerine migration; warblers, flycatchers, thrushes
Summer (Jun-Aug): Breeding birds including Oriental Reed Warbler, Little Grebe, Common Moorhen, Yellow Bittern
Autumn (Aug-Nov): Return migration; early autumn good for flycatchers and warblers and, later, thrushes and finches
Winter (Dec-Feb): Wintering thrushes, finches, and waterbirds on ice-free areas, including occasional rails.
Travel Directions
Public Transport: Take Subway Line 8 to “Forest Park South Gate” Station (Exit A or B). The park’s south gate is right there.
Driving: Navigate to “Olympic Forest Park South Gate.” Parking is available but limited on weekends.
Average Journey Time: ~30-40 minutes by subway from downtown
Access Notes: Free entry, open daily. Best viewing times are early morning (6:00-9:00) or late afternoon (16:00-18:00). The park can get busy, especially at weekends.
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Site 4: Yuanmingyuan Park (圆明园遗址公园)

Yuanmingyuan often hosts waterbirds in late autumn, winter and early spring, sometimes including species such as the sought-after Baikal Teal (Sibirionetta formosa 花脸鸭 Huāliǎn yā). Photo by Terry Townshend.
Summary
Total Recorded Species: 306
Yuanmingyuan, the Old Summer Palace, is one of the richest birding sites in Haidian District. According to official government sources, the park has documented 10 Class I and 43 Class II nationally protected animal species.
Habitats:
Lakes, wetlands, ruins, woodlands, shrubs, reed beds
Seasonal Diversity:
Spring (Mar-May): Peak passerine migration; warblers, flycatchers, thrushes
Summer (Jun-Aug): Breeding birds including Oriental Reed Warbler, herons, egrets
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Return migration; good for waterfowl and passerines
Winter (Dec-Feb): Winter waterfowl concentrations.
Travel Directions
Public Transport: Take Subway Line 4 to “Yuanmingyuan Park” Station. The South Gate is right outside.
Driving: Navigate to “Yuanmingyuan Park.” Parking is available but limited.
Average Journey Time: ~40-50 minutes by subway from downtown
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Site 5: Lingshan Scenic Area (灵山风景名胜区)

A male Chinese Long-tailed Rosefinch (Carpodacus sibiricus lepidus) at Lingshan. This species is a scarce breeder and winter visitor to this site. Photo by Terry Townshend.
Summary
Total Recorded Species: 214 species (plus 20 other taxa)
Lingshan is Beijing’s highest peak at 2,303 meters, offering a completely different montane habitat from the lowland sites. Its subalpine meadows, coniferous forests, and rocky slopes support high-altitude specialists not found elsewhere in the Beijing region. A great site in both summer for specialist breeding birds (e.g. Green-backed Flycatcher, Grey-sided Thrush, Chinese Thrush, Grey Nightjar) and in winter for finches (Pallas’s Rosefinch, Chinese Long-tailed Rosefinch, Asian Rosy Finch and high-elevation redstarts such as White-winged, with Alashan, Black and White-throated also recorded but rare.
Habitats:
Subalpine meadows, coniferous forest, rocky slopes, scrub
Seasonal Diversity:
Spring (May-Jun): Late spring arrival of high-altitude breeders
Summer (Jun-Jul): Breeding season for montane specialists
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Post-breeding dispersal and early migrants
Winter (Nov-Apr): Access sometimes difficult due to snow/ice; some resident species present such as Beijing Babbler, Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch, joined by winter visitors such as Alpine Accentor, Pallas’s Rosefinch, Asian Rosy Finch, Cinereous Vulture and sometimes the high-altitude redstarts.
Travel Directions
Public Transport: Take bus from Beijing to Mentougou District, then local transport to Lingshan. Public transport is challenging; a taxi or organized tour is recommended.
Driving: Navigate to “Lingshan Scenic Area” (灵山风景名胜区) in Mentougou District. Fastest route is via the S3701 Jingwei Expressway. An alternative, slower and more scenic route is to take the G109 national road westbound. There is some parking close to the peak but access can be unpredictable (new fencing in winter 2025/2026 has made walking access to the peak less straightforward).
Average Journey Time: 1.5-2 hours each way by car via the expressway; c3 hrs each way via the G109.
Access Notes: Beijing’s highest mountain. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and variable weather; often up to ten degrees C cooler than downtown with wind that can be much stronger due to more exposed landscape.
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Site 6: Summer Palace (颐和园)

The Summer Palace is the study site for the Beijing Swift project. Here a volunteer from the Beijing Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, one of the partners of the project, releases a swift fitted with a geolocator in 2014, data from which would prove for the first time that Swifts from Beijing migrate to southern Africa and back. Photo by Zhang Weimin.
Summary
Total Recorded Species: 168 (2012-2019 survey)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Summer Palace’s Kunming Lake and wooded hills support diverse bird populations. A comprehensive 2012-2019 survey recorded 168 species. Supports breeding Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, sometimes Northern Boobook (late May to Sep). Occasional rarities on Kunming Lake (e.g. Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Scaly-sided Merganser). A good place to watch Beijing Swifts (mid-April to late July). The Kuoru Pavilion (廓如亭; Kuòrútíng) hosts the colony of Beijing Swifts (Apus apus pekinensis) that has been studied by the China Birdwatching Society and the Beijing Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre since 2007 and is the main focus of the Beijing Swift Project, a collaboration between European and Chinese scientists to track the migration of this race of Common Swift from China’s capital to southern Africa and back.
Habitats:
Large lake (Kunming Lake), wooded hills, temples, gardens
Seasonal Diversity:
Spring (Mar-May): Peak passage migration of waterbirds and, later, passerines; Beijing Swifts arrive in mid-April
Summer (Apr-Aug): Breeding season for herons, egrets, Beijing Swifts (until late July) and resident species
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Return migration; good for waterfowl and passerines
Winter (Dec-Feb): Depending on extent of ice, can attract large concentrations of wintering waterbirds.
Travel Directions
Public Transport: Take Subway Line 4 to “Beigongmen” Station (North Gate) or “Xiyuan” Station (East Gate).
Driving: Navigate to “Summer Palace.” Several parking lots available near East and North Gates.
Average Journey Time: ~45-60 minutes by subway from downtown
Access Notes: Open daily, entrance fee applies.
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Site 7: Beijing Botanical Garden (北京植物园)
The Botanical Gardens is a good place to see winter thrushes. This presumed Black-throated Thrush x Naumann’s Thrush intergrade was photographed in February 2025. Photo by Terry Townshend.
Summary
Total Recorded Species: 200+
Now part of the National Botanical Garden, this expansive site at the foot of the Western Hills combines cultivated gardens with natural woodland. Its diverse plant collection—over 15,000 species—creates varied habitats that attract a correspondingly diverse bird population. Probably the most reliable site for Chinese Nuthatch and a good place for winter thrushes, waxwings and occasional Chinese Tawny Owl.
Habitats:
Cultivated gardens, natural woodland, hills, streams
Seasonal Diversity:
Spring (Mar-May): Peak passerine migration; warblers, flycatchers, thrushes
Summer (Jun-Aug): Breeding birds including woodland species
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Return migration; good for thrushes and finches
Winter (Dec-Feb): Wintering thrushes, finches, and resident birds
Travel Directions
Public Transport: Take Subway Line 10 to “Bagou” Station, then transfer to Bus 505, 630 or the Xijiao Line tram directly to the Botanical Garden.
Driving: Navigate to “National Botanical Garden (North Park).” Parking lots are available but fill quickly on sunny weekends.
Average Journey Time: ~50-60 minutes by subway + bus from downtown
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Site 8: Shidu Scenic Area (十渡风景区)
Shidu is the only reliable site for Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria 红翅旋壁雀 Hóng chì xuán bì què) in Beijing, with up to three birds usually present around bridge six from November to late February. Photo by Terry Townshend.
Summary
Total Recorded Species: Approximately 200
A scenic river gorge in Fangshan District, Shidu is famous among birders as the premier location in Beijing for Wallcreeper, a winter visitor, and for species of shallow, fast-flowing rivers such as Black Stork, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Redstart and Brown Dipper (although the latter is now scarce due to the ‘taming’ of the rivers). The steep cliffs, fast-flowing river, and surrounding woodlands create specialised habitats supporting species found nowhere else in the Beijing region. Bridges are numbered and usually the best strategy is to stop at each one in turn.
Habitats:
River gorge, cliffs, fast-flowing streams, woodland
Seasonal Diversity:
Spring (Mar-May): Migrant passerines; breeding birds arrive
Summer (Apr-Jul): Breeding season for dippers, kingfishers, and redstarts
Autumn (Aug-Nov): Post-breeding dispersal; some migration
Winter (Dec-Feb): Excellent for Wallcreeper, and wintering waterbirds
Travel Directions
Public Transport: Take the Fangshan Line to “Yancun East” Station, then transfer to Bus F82, F16, or F19 to the “Shidu” area.
Driving: Navigate to “Shidu Scenic Area.” Take the G4 Expressway, then transfer to the G5 Expressway and exit at “Zhangfang/Zhoukoudian.”
Average Journey Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes by car
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Site 9: Wenyu River (温榆河)
Crested Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris 冠鱼狗 Guān yú gǒu) breeds along the Wenyu River and is one of the star resident birds of this site. Photo by Terry Townshend.
Summary
Total Recorded Species: 300+
The Wenyu River is a major waterway in northeast Beijing, sometimes known as “Beijing’s Mother River”, that provides critical riparian habitat for birds and acts as a migratory corridor. It forms part of the Wenyu River-North Canal and is a key green space in Beijing’s second 绿化隔离地区 . For part of its flow, it also forms the boundary of Chaoyang and Shunyi Districts.
Key associated sites include:
Wenyu River (main channel): The main river corridor with extensive riparian habitat.
Wenyu River–Airport Road Section (温榆河机场段): A productive stretch with 123 recorded species on eBird .
Wenyu River Park (温榆河公园): The largest ecological space in Beijing, with construction beginning in 2019.
Confluence of Wenyu and Qinghe Rivers: Identified as an important site for maintaining bird diversity.
Habitats:
River channel, riparian woodland, mudflats, reed beds, rice paddies (historically), scrub, agricultural edges, constructed wetlands, dense forest, open woodland
Seasonal Diversity :
Spring (Mar-May): Highest diversity of the year. Peak migration for passerines (especially pipits, wagtails and buntings) and waterbirds.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Breeding birds including Indian Cuckoo, Chinese Blackbird, Black-naped Oriole, Black Drongo.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Return migration; excellent for passerines and waterbirds. Historic records include Beijing’s first Grey-tailed Tattler in September 2012.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Wintering waterbirds, large bunting flocks, corvids and occasional rarities.
Travel Directions
Public Transport: Access varies by section. For the Airport Road Section, take Subway Line 15 to Sunhe or International Exhibition Center “GuoZhan” Station, then taxi or rent a bike to reach the river area. For Wenyu River Park, various bus routes serve the Chaoyang and Shunyi parts of the park.
Driving: Navigate to “Wenyu River” (温榆河) in Shunyi or Chaoyang District. The river parallels several major roads including Airport Road (机场高速) and Jingmi Road (京密路). Multiple access points exist along the river’s course. Wenyu River Park has designated parking areas.
Average Journey Time: ~1 hour from downtown depending on section
Access Notes: The river has multiple public access points. Birders typically explore along the riverbanks and adjacent paths. The confluence of Wenyu and Qinghe Rivers is considered an important area and the area east of there to Jingmi Lu is known as “The Mile”, historically a productive area with diverse and relatively undisturbed habitats. Note that, as of 2026, much of the area is being developed into the Wenyu River Park 温榆河公园 complex and, at times, some areas are inaccessible due to heavy works. Check with local birders for details of current access options.
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Site 10: Miyun Reservoir (密云水库) including Bulaotun and Taishitun
Miyun Reservoir was a spectacular site during the 2010s, hosting thousands of cranes, Jankowski’s Buntings in winter and many rare and scarce birds. Since the significant increase in the water level, due to the south-north water diversion project, scrub removal in favour of tree-planting and restricted access, the site is a shadow of its former self but still offers some of the best birding in Beijing. Photo of a group of White-naped Cranes (Grus vipio 白枕鹤 Bái zhěn hè) by Terry Townshend.
Summary
Total Recorded Species: 419 (as of 2024)
Miyun Reservoir is the largest artificial lake in Asia and the sole source of drinking water for Beijing, constructed in 1960. Located about 88 km north of the city centre, it covers approximately 9.6 million square meters and reaches a depth of 131 meters. The reservoir is fed by two main rivers: the Bai He (White River) and Chao He.
According to the Miyun District Forestry and Park Bureau, a total of 419 wild bird species have been recorded in the Miyun area, including 22 species under national Grade I protection, 73 species under national Grade II protection, and 99 species under Beijing municipal-level protection . This makes Miyun Reservoir one of the most bird-rich areas in all of Beijing.
Key Birding Areas Around Miyun Reservoir:
Bulaotun (不老屯) 不老屯镇 ; wetlands, muddy fringes, agricultural fields
Taishitun (太师屯) 太师屯镇 Qingshui River outlet; marshes, scrub
Xiaocun Village (小漕村) 小漕村; fields, wetlands
Beizhuang Town (北庄镇) 北庄镇 Forest, river wetlands
Baihe Urban Forest Park 白河城市森林公园 River, pools, lakes, waterfalls
Habitat Diversity:
The Miyun Reservoir area encompasses an extraordinary variety of habitats including:
Open water expanses (Asia’s largest artificial lake)
Sometimes mudflats exposed during low water levels (spectacular for shorebirds) but note that in recent years the water level is at historic highs, limiting the suitable habitat for shorebirds.
- Reed beds and marshes at river outlets
- Agricultural fields (corn, wheat) attracting cranes and geese in winter and on passage
- Hillocks and scrub offering vantage points for birders
- Deciduous and coniferous forests on surrounding slopes
- Riparian corridors along the Chao He and Bai He rivers
Scientific Importance: The reservoir’s importance cannot be overstated. In March 2014, an astonishing 1,330 White-naped Cranes—approximately 20% of the estimated world’s entire population—were observed feeding in a single field at Miyun . Seven crane species have been recorded here: Siberian, Sandhill, Demoiselle, Red-crowned, Hooded, Common, and White-naped.
Access Note: IMPORTANT — In the spring of 2016, authorities constructed a fence around the reservoir and access was no longer permitted for birding in the immediate reservoir area . However, birding remains possible and productive in the surrounding towns, river valleys, and designated ecological areas including Bulaotun, Taishitun, Beizhuang Town, and the newly developed Baihe Urban Forest Park greenway .
Seasonal Diversity
Winter (Nov-Feb): SPECTACULAR — Thousands of Tundra Bean Geese and Common Cranes winter on harvested corn fields . Hundreds of Ruddy Shelduck congregate at river outlets . White-tailed Eagles patrol the area, along with Upland Buzzards and, in some years, Rough-legged Buzzards. Occasional Great Bustards may be found. Small passerines include Pallas’s Reed Bunting, Japanese Reed Bunting, Lapland Longspurs and, during irruption years, Pallas’s Sandgrouse may appear.
Spring (Mar-May): Peak migration with spectacular crane passage. White-naped Cranes make stopovers for several days in mid- to late March before continuing to breeding grounds . Flocks of ducks arrive, including the elusive Baikal Teal. Raptor diversity can exceed 10 species in a day, including Amur Falcon, Saker Falcon, Lesser Kestrel (some years), Merlin, Eurasian Hobby, Peregrine, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Hen Harrier, Black Kite, and Eastern Buzzard . Short-toed Snake Eagle has been regular in recent years, including throughout summer, with breeding suspected.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): RARITY SEASON — Miyun has produced some of Beijing’s most extraordinary records. In October 2015, a Great White Pelican was documented—only the 3rd record for Beijing. The same autumn produced a Red-throated Loon in October—the first record for the capital since 1933 – and Lesser White-fronted Geese (flock of 40+ in autumn 2015), with numerous shorebirds when water levels expose mudflats. Waders can include Long-toed Stint, Asian Dowitcher, Pacific Golden Plover, and Oriental Plover (a flock of 62 once grounded by a thunderstorm). Relict Gulls pass through on their migration between the steppes and the Bohai Sea.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Breeding season for reedbed specialists. Listen for the loud chattering song of Oriental Reed Warblers at dusk. The area is significantly cooler than downtown Beijing (3℃ lower on average), making it a pleasant summer retreat .
Recent Developments (2024-2026)
September 2024: Miyun District held its First Ecological Bird-Watching Festival in Beizhuang Town, featuring guided walks, educational courses, and an agricultural fair. A 1.2 km ecological birdwatching trail opened at Zhu Jia Wan Village in Beizhuang Town, with viewing hides/blinds overlooking the Qingshui River. A birdwatching science museum is under construction.
Baihe Urban Forest Park Greenway: A 6.7 km “Wetland Ecology” themed greenway opened along the Bai He, connecting streams, pools, lakes, waterfalls, and wetlands. Features dedicated birdwatching towers and is open 24 hours year-round .
Travel Directions
Public Transport:
For Taishitun: Take Beijing Subway to Dongzhimen, then long-distance bus to Miyun城区, then local bus to Taishitun Town. For Xiaocun Village and Qingshui River, local taxis are recommended.
For Bulaotun: Similar route to Miyun城区, then local transport to Bulaotun.
For Baihe Urban Forest Park: Take Miyun Bus 2 to “Baihe Forest Park” station .
Driving:
Navigate to “Miyun Reservoir” (密云水库) via Jingcheng Expressway (G45) or Daguang Expressway (G45). Exit at Miyun城区 and follow signs.
For Taishitun: Continue north on National Highway 101.
For Bulaotun: Follow signs to Bulaotun Township (不老屯镇).
For Beizhuang Town: Navigate to “Beizhuang Town” (北庄镇), then to Zhu Jia Wan Village for the new birding trail.
For Baihe Urban Forest Park: Navigate to “Baihe Urban Forest Park (East Entrance)” (白河城市森林公园东门) .
Average Journey Time: ~1.5 to 2 hours each way by car depending on destination, much longer for public transport
Access Notes:
The reservoir itself is fenced and restricted, but the surrounding towns, river valleys, and designated parks are open.
The new Beizhuang birding trail is free and open to the public.
Baihe Urban Forest Park is open 24 hours year-round and allows camping in designated areas.
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Very helpful guide for those who do not read Chinese well. Thank you.
Thank you, Brother!
Will have a day in Beijing on Monday Jan 18, any easy to reach place for birding at this time of the year? And advice will be appreciated.
The Olympic Forest Park (accessible by metro) is always a rewarding place.. especially the southwest section (the wetland area). There is usually a Water Rail in winter plus Water Pipit, Red-flanked Bluetail, Daurian Redstart, Silver-throated Tit etc. Other city options are the Botanical Gardens or Yuanmingyuan Park. There are downloadable PDF guides to the OFP and Bot Gardens on this website under “Site Guide”. Good luck!
In the Beijing guide I am a bit confused by the “sparrow” entry. The ones I have on my balcony (gongti area) are not so colorful and pretty dark colored. Aren’t they rather “house sparrows” or simply “sparrows”? I also have “spotted doves” as frequent visitors. I first thought they were turtle doves. All daily visitors as I feed them (grains, peanuts, water).
Thank you for the comment. The urban Tree Sparrows can look very dark, mainly caused by the grime of the city. But all sparrows in the city of Beijing are Eurasian Tree Sparrows. There are no records of House Sparrow. Another type of sparrow – the Russet Sparrow – is an attractive richly coloured sparrow and is a summer migrant to Beijing, mostly to mountain villages, but it is rarely seen in the city itself. Great to have Spotted Doves, too!
Thanks for the explanation! I know little about birds but enjoy watching them from my desk, looking at my balcony where they come to eat, drink, play – and fight with each other. Magpies don’t land here, guess they are too afraid of humans. Should post my pics at one stage on one of my websites…
“If you enjoy watching birds, you’re a good birder.. and if you REALLY enjoy watching them, you’re a great birder!” One of my favourite birding quotes from Kenn Kaufman. Please do post your photos.. we can’t have too many photos of birds from Beijing!
Hi, I’m a Beijing resident that really enjoys bird watching and want to start some bird photography and audio recording, however I don’t know where to start in terms of the equipments to use, do you have any suggestions? Equipment that aren’t too expensive but works well for beginners would be the best, thanks!
Hello there,
Rally informative article indeed. I appreciate the effort you took to share it with us. A birder who has a passion to visit many places for birding will get benefited from here. Thanks for a nice explanation. Hope, will get more from you soon.
Hi Terry, I just notice your website this morning. My name is Sun Yue or Pat and I’m a birding lover based in Beijing, only at a junior level. I first followed your tweeter account by a machine recommandation some days ago. This morning I was attracted by your Redwing report and I clicked the link therein which brought me here. When I opened up the page, I blamed myself for finding you so late. I have to say this is an amazing website to birding lovers, because the contents are just what we love to read. The one most impressive to me is the one about Beijing Swift. I have been to Summer Palace many times every summer and seen those swifts also many times. I also know some birds migrate long distance. But I never imagine that the species living so close to me do the same. So I cannot help writing these comments to you. Thank you very much for what you have done not only for birding lovers but also for Chinese natural conservations.
Thank you so much for your comment. I am pleased you found the website useful. The story of the Beijing Swift is astonishing and every time I see a Swift I marvel at the journey it has made. I appreciate you taking the time to write a comment and I hope to see you birding one day! Terry
Hello Terry, I am in the airport on my way to Beijing and just there for a few days, so you may not be able to help. But I would like to meet someone for a bird hike in or near Beijing. This site is very helpful and I could probably find my way with the wonderful information you provide. I lead hikes at birding events in the US and perform as John James Audubon. I do hope we can connect.
Hi Brian. Hope you had a good time! Apologies I was away during your visit. Terry
Thank you for your reply. I went to the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, both were beautiful but not many birds. I did have a good time.
Hello Mr. Townshed.
My name is Nicholas (Bruneian).
Found your blog and guides and first off, let me say thank you so much for developing those guides and this site! Exactly what I was looking for to have an idea of the wonders of Bei Jing birds.
May I ask if you could recommend me some birdguides or tours in Beijing this December? My family and I are planning a trip there.
If it’s not too much trouble.
Thank you Mr. Townshed.
Kind regards.
Hello Nicholas. Thank you for the comment. There are several young English-speaking Chinese birders who offer guiding services in and around Beijing. If you can let me know dates by sending an email to birdingbeijing@gmail.com, I will investigate for you. Best wishes, Terry
Hello mr. Terry Townshend,
Next year or the year after I hope to go to Bejing and surrounding to birdwatch a few days. I have been to the east coast of Bejing in begin may a few years ago and I loved the birdwatching over there and now I hope to see more. I think the winter months are the best (?), but winter is a long period.
.
There are a few birds which have my special interest this trip. These are Red throated Thrush, Siberian Thrush, Daurian Jackdaw and Long tailed Shrike.
The question I want to ask you is, what the best period is, if I want to see these birdspecies. And, is surrounding bejing a good place? I hope to go for about 10 days.
I hope to hear from you and hope my question is not impossible to answer.
Many greetings from Amsterdam,
Rob
Hi Rob. Of your four target species, three are possible in winter – Red-throated Thrush (common), Daurian Jackdaw (locally common) and Long-tailed Shrike (scarce but regular). Siberian Thrush is a rare spring and autumn migrant in Beijing. Every season provides good birding in Beijing… spring and autumn are excellent for migrants, winter is great for northern species such as cranes, vultures, high-elevation redstarts, rosefinches etc.. and summer is excellent for the mountain breeding birds such as phylloscopus warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, cuckoos etc. Hope that helps. Terry
Thanks for the fast reply.
So the Siberian Trush is difficult/impossible in winter (we had a female in spring on the east coast). I forget this one. For the other 3 species, what do you think which month/period is the best time? November? December? Hope you can give a direction …
Many greetings,
Rob
November to March is the best time for the other three species. All should be possible in that period.
An amazing and very useful contribution, saving my corona-isolations for several days
Thank you, Klaus! If you have any records that add to this, please let me know so that I can improve it..
Terry will be in Beijing in about a week with very limited time, is there any particular areas in Beihai Park and the Summer Palace worth focusing on? Like your noc mig adventures
Hi, I’m a local student here in Beijing. Your website and guides are definitely helping me a lot. Thanks for your dedication!