5 Essential Things to Carry for a China Birding Tour
China is a country to witness majestic landscapes, rich heritage, cultural diversity, and rare and endemic wildlife. From the dense forests of Sichuan to the vast wetlands of Ruoergai Flower Lake and the high-altitude grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau, the place offers a wide variety of habitats. The diverse ecosystems immersed in the beauty of nature make it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Embarking on a China birding tour is always exciting but sorting out things to carry might create confusion. This article highlights the items required to pack. Preparing according to the packing list will make travel more easy and more burden-less.
1. Camera & Binoculars: In this era of smartphones, carrying a separate DSLR camera is essential especially when you are setting out for a birding trip. Capturing the beauty of avian species through these lenses has added value.
Likewise, travelers should also carry a pair of high-quality binoculars to spot distant and fast-moving birds with clarity. Many birdwatchers even carry a spotting scope with a sturdy tripod for scanning wetlands and open fields and identifying wild birds staying at a distance.
2. Personal Care Products: Since these tours involve staying outdoors and spending an entire day under the sun, travelers should carry some personal care products. These include toiletries, hand sanitizers, feminine care essentials, sunscreen, and so on. Instead of shopping for these items at the last moment in China, it’s better to pack everything beforehand.
3. Comfortable Clothing & Gear: Clear skies and mild temperatures are ideal for the best birding experience. However, exploring the avian wonders in such environmental conditions is not always possible. Hence, it is necessary to pack comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and gear. For example, if you are planning to hike towering peaks, it is better to wear boots and layered clothing to adapt to fluctuating temperatures.
In contrast, if your birding tour takes you through wetlands or coastal regions, waterproof footwear and a rain jacket will keep you dry and comfortable. Additionally, you should carry a hat and sunglasses to explore the open landscapes.
4. Medications and Vitamins: The birding tour in China is no less than an adventure where travelers need to navigate through tough trails, hike mountains, wander through wetlands and plateaus, and venture into forests. Being a hectic and tiring journey, it is highly recommended to carry energy drinks and other medications that can prevent fatigue, dehydration, and altitude sickness.
5. Notebook: Many travelers, especially those who are passionate about birds and other wild species, carry a notebook. Their journals hold details about different species, locations, and behaviors they have observed during the tour. Likewise, you can maintain a diary and use a checklist to track your sightings. This will keep you organized and enhance your birdwatching experience.
Conclusion
The list mentioned here is all about the essential items required while traveling to the land of natural wonders. Make sure you pack them with your luggage and ensure you make the best use of them.
A China birding tour is a rewarding experience but being well-prepared for the tour can make the journey hassle-free and memorable. So, instead of waiting for the last moment, take some time packing all necessary documents and gear and be ready for the adventure.