Today, birdwatching is booming in China.
People have watched birds for centuries, mainly for food or sport. However, birdwatching as a hobby began only in the early 1900s. It first took root in Great Britain and the United States. At that time, growing concern for bird welfare combined with new inventions like binoculars. As a result, people could observe birds without harming them.
Today, birdwatching is booming in China. More and more people in major cities flock to parks to watch and photograph birds.
For example, on a crisp morning at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, a quiet group gathers under leafy trees. While most tourists head toward the main altar, a smaller crowd splits off. With binoculars in hand, they scan the canopy and bushes, searching for wings and flashes of feathers. Birds thrive here, even among the ancient buildings.
Leading the group is Li Qiang, a seasoned birdwatcher with decades of experience. As the group strolls through groves and thickets, Li quietly points out birds. He names them: hoopoes in the weeds, woodpeckers tapping bark, and tits darting between branches.
In fact, birdwatching groups at Tiantan Park date back to 2002. That year, biologist Gao Wu—now a professor at Capital Normal University—created the park’s first bird census route. This winding path passes through groves and meadows to track local bird populations. Since then, the tradition has continued. By 2023, birdwatchers had recorded 238 species in the park, thanks to public data submissions.
One major reason for the park’s appeal is its rich greenery. According to Gao, “This planting philosophy has shifted from human aesthetics to real biodiversity.” Shrubs hide nests. Decaying logs provide shelter for insects. Thickets full of seeds feed birds. Altogether, these features create a living habitat that makes Tiantan a top birding spot in Beijing.
Meanwhile, the birdwatching community itself is changing. Once seen as a hobby for retirees, birdwatching now attracts younger generations across China. By the end of 2023, the country had about 340,000 birdwatchers—up 200,000 from just five years earlier. Notably, nearly 67% of them have joined organized bird surveys.
At the same time, social media has helped the hobby spread. On Xiaohongshu, or “Rednote,” users have posted over 400,000 times about birdwatching gear. Many also share sightings, photos, and tips with fellow enthusiasts online.
According to Yu Xiubo, the project’s lead technical adviser, China still has fewer birdwatchers than Europe or North America. However, this also means the country has room to grow.
Furthermore, Lei Jinyu, general-secretary of the Rosefinch Center, says China’s birdwatching scene has its own unique traits. For instance, middle-aged and young adults make up most of the enthusiasts, unlike in Western countries.
Despite the growing popularity of self-driving trips, many Chinese birdwatchers still prefer green travel. In addition, smartphones and internet access make it easy to find bird information and upload sightings.
New technologies and big data also play a key role. According to Lei, they have accelerated birdwatching as a form of citizen science. Moreover, natural education institutions have emerged as powerful forces promoting both birdwatching and bird conservation.
Written by Yi Shen, additional reporting by China Daily, CGTN and World Birds
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