Guangdong is home to a stunning array of birdwatching destinations, from tidal flats to tranquil wetlands. With the 137th Canton Fair opening on April 15, the region's birdwatching hotspots are ready to welcome visitors. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the beauty of migratory birds in their natural habitat!
Haizhu Wetland, Guangzhou (广州海珠湿地)
Located in the heart of Guangzhou, Haizhu Wetland serves as the city's green lungs, with rich water networks and abundant birdlife. After years of ecological restoration, it has become a crucial stop for migratory birds. Over 200 bird species can be observed here, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Recently, a rare ruddy shelduck was recorded in the area.
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
(Photo: Haizhu Wetland)
Address: Haizhu National Wetland Park, No. 168 Xinjiao Middle Road, Haizhu District(海珠区新滘中路168号海珠国家湿地公园)
More recommended spots in Guangzhou: Baiyun Mountain (白云山), Nansha Wetland Park (南沙湿地公园), Liuhua Lake Park (流花湖公园), Zhujiang Park (珠江公园), Luhu Park (麓湖公园)
Shenzhen Bay Park (深圳湾公园)
Shenzhen Bay's coastal wetlands are home to abundant fish and shrimp, making it an ideal feeding ground for migratory birds. From October to May, tens of thousands of migratory birds, including the black-faced spoonbill, tufted duck, and northern shoveler, stop here. This park is not only a birdwatcher's paradise but also a scenic spot for visitors to enjoy seaside views.
(Photo: Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)
Address: Shenzhen Bay Park, Binhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (深圳市南山区滨海大道深圳湾公园)
Hengqin National Wetland Park (横琴国家湿地公园)
Hengqin National Wetland Park features coastal mudflats, mangroves, and bird islands, offering a rich ecological environment. It is home to nationally protected species, including the black-faced spoonbill, Chinese egret, and white-bellied sea eagle. In November 2024, a birdwatching invitational was held here, where 142 bird species were recorded.
(Photo: Hengqin Fabu)
Address: Qinhai West Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai (珠海市香洲区琴海西路)
Yunlu Wetland Park, Foshan (佛山云鹭湿地公园)
In the evenings, flocks of egrets soar over Yunlu Wetland Park, blending with the modern skyline of Shunde. This 90-mu (nearly 15 acres) park attracts 25 to 35 bird species, with nearly 30,000 birds currently residing here. It boasts one of the densest egret populations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Address: 200 meters northwest of Shunde Luniao Garden, Lunjiao Sub-district, Shunde District, Foshan (佛山市顺德区伦教街道顺德鹭鸟园西北200米)
Daya Bay Mangrove Wetland, Huizhou (惠州大亚湾红树林湿地)
Daya Bay Mangrove Wetland Park, a national 4A-level scenic area, is home to well-preserved mangrove forests. The park currently hosts over 100 bird species, including national-level protected wildlife such as the painted stork, greater coucal, osprey, black-winged kite, common kestrel, and black-faced spoonbill.
(Photo: Huizhou Fabu)
Address: Southwest of the intersection of Zhongxing South Road and Zhongxing Fifth Road, Huizhou Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone, Huiyang District, Huizhou (惠州市惠阳区大亚湾经济技术开发区中兴南路与中兴五路交叉口西南侧)
Jiaoyi Bay, Dongguan (东莞交椅湾)
With its clean waters and lush shores, Jiaoyi Bay is the closest coastal area in Dongguan. During winter and spring, rare species such as the black-faced spoonbill and oriental stork flock here. Over 100 bird species have been recorded in this area, including seven national first-class protected species.
(Photo: Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area)
Address: Jiaoyi Bay, Binhaiwan Bay Area, Dongguan (东莞滨海湾新区交椅湾)
Cuiheng National Wetland Park, Zhongshan (中山翠亨国家湿地公园)
Known as Zhongshan's "bird paradise," Cuiheng National Wetland Park is home to over 130 bird species, including endangered species like the little egret and the falcated duck. During the migratory season, hundreds of geese, ducks, and egrets take refuge here, making it a prime location for bird enthusiasts.
(Photo: Zhongshan Fabu)
Address: No. 32, Nanchong Street, Cuiheng New Area, Zhongshan (中山市翠亨新区南冲街32号)
Bird's Paradise National Wetland Park, Jiangmen (江门小鸟天堂国家湿地公园)
Bird's Paradise National Wetland Park is a natural birdwatching haven, famously described as the "Bird Paradise" by renowned author Ba Jin. It is also the largest heron breeding ground in South China, with thousands of herons hatched here every year.
(Photo: Jiangmen Fabu)
The park's centerpiece is a water banyan tree, which dates back approximately 400 years. Over the years, the tree has expanded into a vast forest covering 13,000 square meters, home to tens of thousands of birds. Every year, during the breeding season in March and April, many visitors take boat tours along the river to witness the spectacular "Bird Paradise" that Ba Jin once described.
(Photo: Jiangmen Fabu)
Address: No. 22, Yinhu Avenue Middle, Xinhui District, Jiangmen (江门市新会区银湖大道中22号)
Xinghu National Wetland Park, Zhaoqing (肇庆星湖国家湿地公园)
Xinghu National Wetland Park, with its numerous islands, vast water areas, and abundant fish and shrimp, provides an ideal feeding ground for migratory birds. From October to April, the area attracts flocks of migratory birds alongside resident species like the white egret. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of flocks of herons in flight while cruising past the wild bird islands.
(Photo: Xinghu Scenic Area)
Address: Xinghu Avenue, Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing (肇庆市端州区星湖大道)
Author: Huang Xinying
Poster: Lai Meiya
Editor: Wei Shen, James, Shen He
