Yunnan Province is a great destination for birders and for those who are more interested in flowers and plants. This tour has been designed for those with a combined interest.During the late 19th and early 20th century the southwest corner of China was one of the most important areas for ‘plant hunters.’ These dedicated people endured enormous difficulties and many gave their lives in the hunt for new and exotic plants to adorn the gardens of Europe and America. As a consequence many of the plants we are familiar with in our gardens appear in similar form in the Yunnan flora. This trip will allow time devoted to the examination of the shrubs, trees and flowers along our route.
The tour will comprise a Pre-Extension (optional) to the area around Baoshan, close to the border with Myanmar (Burma). The nature reserve of Mt Gaoligongshan contains a wide range of animals, birds and plants. There are 434 plant species recorded including azaleas, Photinia and Davidia involucrate. Baihualing Nature Reserve is a fantastic place for birding and is easily accessible. It can be expected to see around 200 different species in a short period of 5 days. One of the greatest attractions here is the Cachar Wedge-billed Wren
Special CommentIt goes without saying that all our accommodation is of the usual very high standard, as with all Worldwide Birding Tours. Because we will be staying at higher altitudes good health and experience at higher altitudes is required.
After returning to Kunming, known as the City of Eternal Spring, the main part of the tour will begin as we travel progressively further north in Yunnan. The route will allow us to visit some of the most productive areas for the early plant hunters. The Western Hills are around Kunming, Mt. Cangshan near Dali and the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, which is close to Deqin. Baima Snow Mountain is famous for its ‘Azalea Forest,’ which is ranked as one of the most beautiful forests in China. During the entire journey we will see and recognise many plants, which are familiar, or closely related, to plants we know from horticulture. Interesting genera we hope to see are Rhododendron, Corydalis, Primula, Meconopsis, Camellia, Gentiana, Hypericum, Cypripedium together with a wide range of other shrub and tree species.
Reserving your place is both easy and inexpensive. A deposit of € 250 is all we require! Book online...
This Trip Report tells you our experiences of our first visit ever to Sichuan in China. We made this "Recce Tour" in June 2011, accompanied by 5 brave fellow travellers
Roger Marchant has had an interest in the Natural World since childhood which led him to read Botany at University College London. From there he embarked on an academic career teaching and researching in Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Ulster. The academic life allowed regular travel around the world and links with a wide range of biologists in other countries. Towards the end of his working career Roger rediscovered an earlier interest in photography and is now an avid recorder of birds, plants and animals in the locations he visits. Although he still retains some active research interests, as an Emeritus Professor he now has more time to devote to pursuing his interest in travel. The interest in plants and horticulture has never left him and the trip to Yunnan will provide an ideal location for a fusion of plant and bird experiences and photography in a single expedition. Roger Marchant already has experience of travelling with the company to locations in South America and to Sichuan province in China and will be able to provide any support required by the participants on this trip. 
