CHINESE MOUNTAIN CATS OF SICHUAN PHOTO TOUR
photograph the unique blue-eyed cat
11 Days
China
4 Guests
Difficult
Medium
Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan Photo Tour
Photograph the unique blue-eyed cat
Chinese mountain cats are endemic to the Tibetan Plateau of western China. They are beautiful cats resembling house cats, with brilliant blue eyes. This trip is timed to maximize chances of day time sightings, though we will also search for these cats at night. To photograph the Chinese mountain cat, we head to Sichuan province, a beautiful and diverse province of China with other unique animals like Tibetan fox. We search for the cats in the high mountains by vehicle, while enjoying delicious Sichuan food and marveling at the beautiful alpine landscape.
PHOTOGRAPH CHINESE MOUNTAIN CATS IN SICHUAN, CHINA
SEE OTHER CHINESE WILDLIFE LIKE PIKAS AND TIBETAN FOX
WE HAVE SEEN THE CAT ON ALL TOURS SO FAR
ENJOY THE BREATH-TAKING TIBETAN PLATEAU
LEARN ABOUT TIBETAN CULTURE
EXPERIENCE DELICIOUS SICHUAN FOOD
Why we love this Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan photo tour
Our Chinese mountain cats of Sichuan photo tour is a tour specifically designed to photograph the endemic Chinese mountain cat. As far as we know, there are no other photo tours exclusively designed for this species. We have planned this tour to maximize chances to see the cat, photograph it, and have intimate encounters. We schedule this trip during the time of year when we maximize seeing the cat during the day, while not being hit with hard and cold weather.
The tibetean plateau has so much more to offer than just the Chinese Mountain Cat as well, including the unique looking tibetan fox, adorable pikas, as well as raptors like golden eagles and little owls. Pikas are at the bottom of the food chain, but are an integral part to the ecosystem, without them, none of the predators can survive. The landscape too, is stunning, with weather worn peaks surrounding lush meadows filled with marmots.
Our hotel is close to a Tibetan monastery, one we can easily visit during our time there, having the privilege to observe the buildings intricate architecture and artwork, as well as being humbled by the residents devotion to their religion.
Finally, but in no way least, Sichuan cuisine is world renowned and we are lucky enough to get to experience it throughout this trip. In fact, we will take you to a Michelin star restaurant in Chengdu, the city we fly in for this tour. The food is beyond delicious and can easily accommodate any food preference.
Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan photo tour testimonials
"Coming Soon"
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Chinese Mountain Cat Male at Night, Sichuan, China -
Chinese Mountain Cat Male at Night, Sichuan, China -
Chinese Mountain Cat Male at Night, Sichuan, China -
Chinese Mountain Cat Male at Night, Sichuan, China -
Chinese Mountain Cat Male at Night, Sichuan, China -
Chinese Mountain Cat Male at Night, Sichuan, China -
Chinese Mountain Cat Male at Night, Sichuan, China
Other wildlife you can see on this tour
Target wild cat during our Chinese Mountain Cats photo tour
CHINESE MOUNTAIN CAT (Felis bieti)
Chinese Mountain Cat, also called Chinese Desert Cat and Chinese Steppe Cat is our main, and really only wild cat species we can see on this trip. They are endemic to China, and resemble a house cat. Their blue eyes are distinct and are absolutely piercing. We will be photographing these high altitude specialists via car, allowing us to cover significant amounts of area, which is required for a cat that naturally occurs at low densities. To distinguish Chinese Mountain Cats from Tibetan foxes, which are similar size, we will look for the much smaller and rounder head of the cat.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Easy: for the duration of the trip we will have multiple encounters with this wild cat species with good photo opportunities
Medium: we expect to see the wild cat and have at least one, but probably multiple encounters, with good photo opportunities
Difficult: for the duration of the trip, our goal will be to have one encounter with good photographic opportunities
Very Difficult: for the duration of the trip we hope to have one encounter with the cat, whether a good photo opportunity or not
Extremely Difficult: it is extremely unlikely to see this cat, so having even a glimpse of this cat is considered successYou are in good hands, we are Chinese mountain cat experts
We have designed this Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan photo tour to allow you to acclimatize to the higher altitude at which Chinese Mountain Cats are found, while maximizing chances to find this endemic cat. Though this cat occurs at naturally low densities, we know where the right habitats are with the most prey -- leading to the highest densities of Chinese Mountain Cats. Though the mountains in which these cats live are vast, we have a few particular areas where we have always had luck with these species and your guides know how to find them. Their expertise has led to at least one good photographic encounter per trip so far.
Your Cat Expeditions international wild cat and photography guide has intimate knowledge of cat behavior, including that of the Chinese Mountain Cat. At a minimum, your Cat Expeditions leader has spent over 150 hours looking for Chinese Mountain Cats in their habitat.
Besides having your Cat Expeditions by your side for guidance at all time, we have hand picked the best local guide who has spent thousands of hours looking for this cat. They have an intimate knowledge of where Chinese Mountain Cats like to hang out, and what their behavior is.
Day 1
Fly into either international airport in Chendu, Sichuan, China. You will be picked up from the airport and driven to the hotel by a Cat Expeditions representative. After settling in we will meet for an early dinner at a Michelin star restaurant, to meet each other and get excited about our journey ahead. You will get plenty of rest before we head out the following day.
Day 2
After a nice morning breakfast, we will drive to Chuanzhusi, about an eight hour drive. We will settle into the hotel here and take things easy, as we are at 2,800 meters, which is a perfect acclimatization altitude before heading higher for the Chinese Mountain Cat on day four. Dinner will be at the hotel and we will discuss tactics on photographing the cats.
Day 3
Though not fully optimal habitat, there are Chinese Mountain Cats near Chuanzhusi, so we will spend the morning, afternoon, and early nighttime looking for the cats. Spending the day in Chuanzhusi means our bodies get to adjust to the altitude, which is a crucial step in allowing us to enjoy the rest of the trip at higher elevation.
Day 4
After breakfast, we will drive four to the edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, our main area to look for the Chinese Mountain Cat. We will be hours around 11,000 feet of elevation (3,350 meters). After settling into the hotel and having lunch, we will head out to look for Chinese mountain cats in the afternoon and early evening. Dinner is back at the hotel.
Day 5-9
We will search for Chinese Mountain Cat at sunrise, sunset, and into the early evening. To do so, we will utilize a 4x4 vehicle, driving through prime Chinese Mountain Cat habitat. When we find a cat, we will photograph it from the car. If the cat is tolerant, we will try and photograph it on foot. This may mean hiking up to 500 yards over uneven terrain. Breakfast will be on the go, lunch and dinner will be at restaurants.
Day 10
We will search for the Chinese Mountain Cat one last time, at sunrise, before packing up at the hotel and making our way down to Chendu. After our nine hour drive, we will settle into the hotel and freshen up before heading to another Michelin star restaurant for our celebratory goodbye dinner.
Day 11
You will be driven to either Chengdu International airports for your outbound flights.
Itinerary at a glance
10 NIGHTS
11 DAYS
3 hotels
14 GAME DRIVES
Mountain Meadows
1 SMALL CAT
Game Drives
Unique itinerary for our Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan photo tour
Like our other tours, our Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan photo tour itinerary was designed to specifically see and photograph wild cats. We have chosen the best location in China to find the endemic, and elusive Chinese Mountain Cat.
This trip builds in an acclimatization day as we want to make sure every guest feels good at the final high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau. Even our acclimatization area is a descent spot for Chinese Mountain Cat, so we are maximizing chances to find the cats. With fourteen different game drives in total for these cats, we are spending lots of time searching for this stunning blue-eyed cat.
Besides Chinese mountain cat, you will have the opportunity to photograph other unique Tibetan plateau species, like Tibetan fox, Alpine Musk-deer, marmots, and adorable pikas. To do so, you will be led by international photography guides with decades of experience, as well as local Chinese guides who know the animals extremely well.
Besides providing you the opportunity to see and photograph wild cats, we at Cat Expeditions make your travel experience hassle free. Upon booking, you will be sent a full itinerary that includes what to bring and how to prepare. Once you land in China, you can focus on enjoying yourself as all the travel logistics are not only taken care off, but optimized to give you the most time to enjoy the incredible wildlife that the vast steppes have to offer.
Upper House Chengdu
The Upper House Chengdu is a beautifully designed luxury hotel in the heart of Chengdu’s vibrant Taikoo Li district, blending contemporary architecture with traditional Sichuan design elements. Created by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the property emphasizes natural materials, open space, and tranquility, with serene courtyards and elegant wood-and-stone interiors that provide a calm retreat within the city.
The spacious rooms feature minimalist design, deep soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a peaceful environment to relax after travel. Guests can enjoy attentive service, a fitness center, and pool.
Upper House Chengdu is conveniently located near fantastic Michelin star restaurants. With its refined design and quiet sophistication, The Upper House Chengdu offers a memorable and comfortable stay at the beginning and end of your Cat Expeditions journey in China.
High-speed internet is available at Upper House Chengdu. Laundry is available at a small cost to the guest.
Songpan Ancient Road Homestay
Songpan Yisu Gudao Mufeng Homestay is a charming mountain guesthouse located just outside the historic town of Songpan in Sichuan Province, offering a peaceful and authentic stay in China’s Tibetan-influenced highlands.
Set on a hillside overlooking the valley, the property features comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, mountain views, and warm, locally inspired décor. Guests can relax in the garden or terrace, enjoy home-style meals prepared with regional ingredients, and experience the welcoming hospitality of this family-run lodge.
With free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and easy access to the landscapes of northern Sichuan, this cozy guesthouse provides a relaxing and memorable base for our acclimatization stop, during your Cat Expeditions journey in China.
Dawa Kangying Hotel
Dawa Kangying Hotel is a quaint hotel with fewer than 15 rooms. Situated near our Chinese Mountain Cat area, it is the perfect lodging to facilitate maximum search effort while being comfortable and taken care of.
The hotel has comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, monastery views, and Tibetan decor. It is a family run hotel that provides charming service with modern day comforts.
Dawa Kangying Hotel offers free high-speed wifi. Laundry is not available at this hotel.
Conservation impact of our Chinese Mountain Cats photo tour
Like all Cat Expeditions tours, our Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan photo tour has conservation impact built into it. Major threats to Chinese Mountain Cats include poison-based rodent control, genetic hybridization with domestic cats, habitat fragmentation from infrastructure, and hunting for their fur. Another quite real threat is the lack of awareness that this cat exists in the first place. We partner with Panthera which is raising the public profile of this cat.
Conservation at a glance
Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan Photo Tour Dates
May 3rd-13th, 2027 (4 spots available)
Chinese Mountain Cats of Sichuan Photo Tour Pricing
Price per person: To be announced shortly
Single room supplement: To be announced shortly
The price includes:
- all transportation starting in China
- lodging
- meals (not including alcohol)
- Chinese mountain cat excursions
- guide services of Cat Expeditions trip leader
- guide services of local guide
- conservation donation to local manul NGO
The price does not include:
- flights to China
- tips
- laundry
- insurance