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 (海心沙亚运公园)

Tianzi Wharf (天字码头)

Yanjiang Middle Road (沿江中路)

Binjiang West Road (滨江西路)

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 (猎德涌)

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

3. Wetlands and parks

Egret Island, Liuhua Lake Park (流花湖公园鹭岛)

Haizhu National Wetland Park (海珠国家湿地公园)

Huadu Lake National Wetland Park (花都湖国家湿地公园)

Liuxihe National Forest Park (流溪河国家森林公园)

Nansha Wetland Park (南沙湿地公园)

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.