Sichuan, China

Top target birds

Language barrier less of an issue for me than for most other birding tourists, independent trip much more feasible
Stunning scenery, stunning birds
Great cost value
Great cultural interest

Difficult to rent a car. China requires a provisional license to rent a car (an International Driver's Permit is not sufficient), which takes several hours and multiple documents and forms to apply for and process, and likely the help of a third-party agency. See Leygraaf's trip report below.
What are driving times like? (see Robby's maxim)
- How far towards/into Qinghai must one travel to find Tibetan Plateau specialties like Przevalski's Pinktail and others? Is the driving worth that?
High elevations require acclimatization, and weather can be unpredictable and fast-changing
Short window of time for peak bird activity and site accessibility (May/June)
Google Maps not usable in China (everything is offset). Navigation on the ground should be okay with apps such as CoMaps (see Birding tools) and even Apple Maps. For scouting and research, may need to use China-specific apps (AMaps?). Not sure about CalTopo, Goat Maps, etc.

Fly into Chengdu
Go either clockwise or counter-clockwise around Chengdu, with a detour towards/into Qinghai.

Naturally Adventurous - S5E25 - China with Sid Francis and Keith Barnes - no detail on sites or specific birds, but good general information on tourism infrastructure
Mammalwatching - S3E12: Sid Francis, China