Fuzhou National Forest Park is one of nine national forest parks in China. Constructed in 1960 and originally known as Fuzhou Arboretum, the park got this designation in 1993. It is an 860-hectare forest park surrounded by lush hills on three sides. Only one side is covered by water. It serves as a good research and tourist destination.
Because of the park’s geographic location and forest conservation efforts, it has a distinct microclimate. The climate is mild in the winter and cool in the summer, with temperatures often 3-5 degrees Celsius lower than downtown. Renowned as Fuzhou’s largest natural oxygen bar, the park’s abundant oxygen and negative oxide ion production attracts a significant number of visitors each day to enjoy a forest bath.
Here’s a quick China birding tour plan in Fuzhou National Forest Park.
Why Visit?
This forest park offers a chance to spot some rare bird species such as Silver Pheasant, Red-headed Trogon, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, and Chestnut Bulbul.
The park has recorded more than 200 bird species, including the White-necked Partridge, Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Spotted Elachura, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Greater Coucal, Rufous Woodpecker, Pale-headed Woodpecker, Scarlet Minivet, Large Woodshrike, Common Tailorbird, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Black-streaked Scimitar-Babbler, and Orange-bellied Leafbird. Thus, this place offers one of the best birding trips in China.
Transportation
Fuzhou train station (Fuzhou Fujian) is easily accessible via train from Shanghai Hongqiao. The fastest trains take less than four hours. The cost is just under 400 RMB per trip. A handy early train departs Shanghai at 08:15 and arrives in Fuzhou a little before noon. Taxis are available at the railway station. For the return trip, some trains about 6 p.m. take a little longer (for example, departing Fuzhou at 18:11 and arriving in Shanghai at 22:47), which is good if you are going on a China birding trip in the forest park.
Accommodation
There are multiple hotels near the park. The best option is to book a hotel, which is within walking distance of the park (approximately 20 minutes to the entrance). Ensure that the hotel is ideal for birders such that it offers guided birding tours, etc. The costs of the hotel vary between 300-900 RMB per night, depending on the amenities they offer. Some of them also provide half-day rentals at the end of your stay.
The Best Time to Visit
It is often a good idea to avoid weekends because the park transforms into an outdoor karaoke venue. The park is most popular with birders from January through March. This time the temperature is pleasant and you can spot endemic bird species easily.
A Memorable Birding Trip
Hence, if you are a bird enthusiast and want to explore some of the rare and endemic bird species in China, you shouldn’t miss Fuzhou National Forest Park. This national park offers picturesque landscapes along with native bird sightings. Transportation and accommodation are not an issue here as it is a popular tourist destination. However, if you are planning a photography trip besides a China birding tour in this park, be sure to pick the perfect season.