Beijing: Greeting Birds Between Historical Relics

Few people know that Beijing, famous for its cultural relics, is also one of China's best bird-watching spots. From imperial gardens to nature reserves, Beijing has a wide choice of bird watching attractions. Bird watching around the ancient buildings offers unique experiences.

(Source: quanjing.com)

There are many resident birds in the Temple of Heaven. Every spring and autumn, a large number of migratory birds stay for a rest at the park. After years of protection, less human disturbance and dense groves make the park a paradise for birds. You may find red-billed blue magpies, gray magpies and Beijing swifts.

(Source: quanjing.com)

The Summer Palace, a famous imperial garden is close to the Xishan Mountains. Many birds from the mountains fly to the park to forage and inhabit. The water surface near the west gate is never frozen, which attracts a large number of waterfowl to inhabit and overwinter here. The ancient buildings in the park have attracted Beijing swifts to nest and breed here. In the Summer Palace, you can watch little egrets, whooper swans, mandarin ducks, etc.

(Source: quanjing.com)

The Songshan National Nature Reserve has a high forest coverage rate, and the altitude difference is more than 1,400 meters. The natural environment is diverse, creating suitable habitats for wild animals. According to statistics, there are 158 species of birds in 44 families, including raptors such as golden eagles, waterfowl such as black storks and herons, and forest birds such as black-naped orioles and paradise flycatchers.