Brief itinerary

  • D1 · Taichung – Dasyueshan – Taichung
Forest stream and suspension bridge in lower Dasyueshan
Dasyueshan – low elevation
A mountain road and blue bridge in mist at Dasyueshan
Dasyueshan – mid elevation
Autumn foliage along a forest trail in upper Dasyueshan
Dasyueshan – high elevation
Detailed itinerary and expected birds

(E) Endemic species · (ES) Endemic subspecies · RARE: harder to observe. Seasonal labels indicate the main observation period. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

D1 · Taichung – Dasyueshan – Taichung

We collect you in Taichung at around 06:00, pick up breakfast and lunch, and head to Dasyueshan. Times are approximate; stops depend on bird activity.

07:00–09:00 | Lower-elevation farmland

This section focuses on birds of low-elevation forest edges and farmland. We bird a mix of orchards, bamboo, farmland and secondary woodland for Taiwan Hwamei (E), Taiwan Scimitar-Babbler (E), and Striped Prinia (ES).

09:00–11:00 | Mid-elevation forest

In the mid-elevation forest, we look for birds of this elevation zone and watch for mixed flocks. We bird suitable stretches of forest, such as the 23K area, for Swinhoe’s Pheasant (E), Taiwan Partridge (E), Taiwan Yellow Tit (E), Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush (E), and Rusty Laughingthrush (E) and mixed flocks. Stops depend on bird activity.

11:00–14:00 | High-elevation birding and lunch

We have lunch around 50K.

This section focuses on high-elevation forest birds. We explore forest and trails around 50K at roughly 2,560 metres. Mikado Pheasant (E) is a priority, although finding it can take patience. Other targets include Flamecrest (E), Collared Bush-Robin (E), White-whiskered Laughingthrush (E), and Taiwan Fulvetta (E), alongside Coal Tit (ES) and Eurasian Nuthatch (ES).

15:00–18:00 | Birding on the descent

We work our way downhill, stopping where birds are active to look for species still missing. We expect to return to Taichung by 18:00.

Meals · Meals are not included.

Expected birds
Black Bulbul (ES); Taiwan Barbet (E); Rufous-capped Babbler (ES); Morrison’s Fulvetta (E); Chestnut-bellied Tit (E, RARE); Taiwan Hwamei (E); Taiwan Yellow Tit (E); White-tailed Robin (ES); Oriental Turtle-Dove (ES); Black-naped Monarch (ES); Light-vented Bulbul (ES); Dusky Fulvetta (ES); Siberian Rubythroat (winter, RARE); Striped Prinia (ES, RARE); Swinhoe’s Pheasant (E); White-eared Sibia (E); Taiwan Yuhina (E); Rufous-faced Warbler; Taiwan Whistling-Thrush (E); Eurasian Nuthatch (ES); Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (ES); Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush (E); Taiwan Partridge (E); Gray Treepie (ES); Eurasian Jay (ES, RARE); Rusty Laughingthrush (E, RARE); White-backed Woodpecker (ES, RARE); Coal Tit (ES); Collared Bush-Robin (E); Flamecrest (E); White-whiskered Laughingthrush (E); Green-backed Tit (ES); Mikado Pheasant (E); Southern Nutcracker (ES); Taiwan Barwing (E); Taiwan Bush Warbler (E, Apr-Sept); Taiwan Cupwing (E); Taiwan Fulvetta (E); Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler (ES); Eurasian Wren (ES, RARE); Taiwan Bullfinch (E, RARE); Taiwan Bush-Robin (E, RARE); Taiwan Rosefinch (E, RARE); Taiwan Shortwing (E, RARE)

Possible mammals
Formosan Rock Macaque (E); Pallas’s Squirrel (ES); Maritime Striped Squirrel (ES)

Route map

  1. 1TaichungPickup / return
  2. 2Dasyueshan — low elevationLow-elevation forest
  3. 3Dasyueshan — mid elevationMiddle-elevation forest
  4. 4Dasyueshan — high elevationHigh-elevation forest and Tianchi

Taichung pickup and return. Stops at different elevations are selected according to birds, weather and available time.

Tap a numbered marker for details or a grouped marker to zoom in. Markers show approximate public birding areas. Lines show connections between areas, not driving roads. Follow the itinerary for daily stops.

eBird trip reports (12)

Past trips in shared birding areas. These reports are route references; dates, duration and stops may differ from this itinerary. Records include birds seen or heard.

More reports (8)

What’s included

Includes your English-speaking bird guide, private transport, required admission and permits, drinking water, travel-agency liability insurance and a post-tour bird list / eBird record. Meals, personal travel insurance and personal purchases are not included.

Meeting, walking & finish

Pickup is from your Taichung hotel or Taichung HSR station, with return by 6:00 pm. Hotel pickup is normally around 6:00 am; HSR pickup is timed to your agreed train arrival. Around 11–12 hours of vehicle service are included.

Expect up to 10,000 steps, with vehicle transfers between stops. Bring warm layers and rain protection for elevations up to around 2,600 metres. Meals are at your own expense.

How do I get to Taichung?

Travel to Taichung by high-speed rail or conventional train and stay overnight before the tour. The standard itinerary starts at 06:00. The first train from Taipei on the same morning arrives too late for the normal start and shortens the early birding period.

Where should I stay in Taichung?

All three areas below work, and we can pick you up from your hotel.

  • Fengyuan: closest to Dasyueshan. We recommend Chuan Fu Hotel for its convenient location and clean rooms.
  • Near Taichung HSR Station: convenient for high-speed rail connections and quick access to the freeway; you will usually need a taxi to get around.
  • Near Taichung Railway Station: the widest choice of hotels and restaurants, with more time in city traffic.
Mountain weather and altitude

Dasyueshan reaches about 2,600 metres. Bring layers and rain protection. Weather and road access may change the itinerary.

Travel preparation →