Winter is a perfect season to watch birds in Zhaoqing in southern China's Guangdong Province.
The Zhaoqing Xinghu Scenic Area (肇庆星湖景区)—encompassing Seven Star Cave, Dinghu Mountain, and Xinghu Wetland Park—comes alive with flocks of birds, attracting nature lovers and bird watchers from near and far.
Xinghu Wetland Park (星湖国家湿地公园)
Within Xinghu Wetland Park, a 22-hectare bird habitat and breeding area lies among the lake islands and waters. Serving as the wetland's core ecological reserve, it is widely known as "Bird Paradise."
(Photo: Wu Yongqiang)
Red-crowned Cranes
The red-crowned crane, a national first-class protected species, has settled and successfully bred in Xinghu Wetland Park. Thanks to carefully designed habitats—including simulated shallow marshes, abundant food, and innovative breeding techniques—the cranes have thrived in Lingnan. Today, the park hosts one of the largest populations of red-crowned cranes in southern China.
(Photo: Liang Ruiwei)
Flamingos
During autumn and winter, flamingos are among the most eye-catching residents. As a national second-class protected species, they inhabit the lakeside areas, creating a charming contrast with the elegant red-crowned cranes.
(Photo: Liang Ruiwei)
Pigeons
The Chinese Ornamental Pigeon Cultural Park, located within Xinghu Wetland Park, is Zhaoqing's first leisure park dedicated to ornamental pigeons. It houses 20 species that roam freely, adding charm and vitality to the wetlands.
(Photo: Xijiangyihao)
Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山)
As China's first nature reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dinghu Mountain Nature Reserve is celebrated as a "living natural museum" and a "treasure trove of species," home to numerous rare and endangered animals.
(Photo: Wu Yongqiang)
Silver Pheasants
In the forests of Dinghu Mountain, visitors may spot the silver pheasant, Guangdong's provincial bird. These elegant birds roam with distinctive plumage, and for a closer look, visitors can take a boat to Silver Pheasant Valley to observe them foraging amid serene waters and lush hills.
(Photo: Xu Qingbin)
(Photo: Liang Liang)
Don't miss this exclusive winter bird-watching experience—explore and immerse yourself in the breathtaking ecological beauty of Zhaoqing.
Author | He Fengyu
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
