As the sun gradually sets in Guangzhou, flocks of egrets rise into the sky at Haixinsha Asian Games Park, soaring toward the trees. The skyscrapers of Zhujiang New Town CBD provide a dramatic backdrop. During the daily low tide along the Pearl River, shallow tidal flats become ideal feeding grounds for these graceful birds.

Egrets are water-loving creatures known for their sensitivity to the environment and serve as indicators of air and water quality. In recent years, as Guangzhou's ecological environment has significantly improved, both the number and distribution of egrets in the city center have been steadily increasing.

Where can you catch a glimpse of these elegant birds in Guangzhou? 

1.  Along the Pearl River

Haixinsha Asian Games Park (海心沙亞運(yùn)公園)

Tianzi Wharf (天字碼頭)

Yanjiang Middle Road (沿江中路)

Binjiang West Road (濱江西路)

Egrets flying over Pearl River at Tianzi Wharf (Photo: Information Times)

2. Waterways

Haizhuchong near Yadun Street (雅墩街海珠涌段)

Liedechong (獵德涌)

Egrets rest in trees next to Haizhuchong (Photo: Information Times)

3. Wetlands and parks

Egret Island, Liuhua Lake Park (流花湖公園鷺島)

Haizhu National Wetland Park (海珠國家濕地公園)

Huadu Lake National Wetland Park (花都湖國家濕地公園)

Liuxihe National Forest Park (流溪河國家森林公園)

Nansha Wetland Park (南沙濕地公園)

Egrets at Haizhu Wetland (Photo: Haizhu National Wetland Park)

Birds at Nansha Wetland (Photo: Nansha Wetland)

Egrets and other birds can be spotted year-round in Guangzhou, but the best time is typically from October to March when migratory birds arrive for the winter.