Zhalong National Nature Reserve is located about 30 kilometers southeast of Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province. It is one of China's first members of the "List of Wetlands of International Importance," as well as a national nature reserve and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The reserve covers a total area of 210,000 hectares and is China's largest and world-renowned Zhalong Wetland, belonging to a typical inland wetland and water ecosystem. Here, the reed marshes are vast and expansive, lakes are scattered all over, the water is clear, and fish and shrimp are abundant. It is an ideal home for birds to breed and inhabit, especially for cranes, and is known as the "Home of Cranes." There are 15 species of cranes in the world and 9 species in China, while Zhalong is home to 6 species, including the red-crowned crane, white-naped crane, and demoiselle crane. It is an excellent place to observe wild cranes.
History and Culture
The wetland ecosystem of the Zhalong area was formed over a long period of time. As early as the Qing Dynasty, this area became a royal hunting ground because of its abundant water and grass, and was known as the "Hometown of the Red-crowned Crane," carrying people's special affection for this wetland and rare birds.
In 1979, the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government approved the establishment of Zhalong Nature Reserve; in April 1987, the State Council approved Zhalong Nature Reserve as a national nature reserve; in 1992, Zhalong Nature Reserve was included in the "List of Wetlands of International Importance." Over time, Zhalong Nature Reserve has continued to develop in ecological protection, scientific research and monitoring, and science education, becoming an important window to showcase China's achievements in wetland ecological protection, and attracting many domestic and international tourists and researchers.
In December 2024, it was rated as a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.
Main Attractions
Zhalong Wetland Core Area
The Zhalong Wetland Core Area is the core zone of the reserve, with a vast area that accounts for an important part of the reserve's total area. It maintains the original ecological wetland landscape, with large stretches of reeds swaying in the wind, stretching as far as the eye can see. Numerous lakes and ponds are interconnected, providing abundant food sources and habitats for birds. Visitors here can closely observe the beautiful postures of red-crowned cranes and other rare birds foraging, playing, and flying in the wetland. The core area is equipped with facilities such as a crane-viewing platform, making it convenient for tourists to enjoy the wetland and bird landscapes from all angles.
Zhalong Museum
Zhalong Museum is an important place to learn about the Zhalong wetland ecosystem and bird knowledge. Through illustrated display boards, physical specimens, multimedia displays, and other forms, the museum provides detailed introductions to the formation and development of the Zhalong wetland, as well as the rich animal and plant resources within the wetland, especially the living habits and distribution of various cranes. The museum houses a large number of bird specimens, including red-crowned cranes and white-naped cranes, allowing visitors to more intuitively understand these rare birds. In addition, the museum also displays the achievements of Zhalong Nature Reserve in ecological protection, scientific research and monitoring, and other aspects.
Red-crowned Crane Release Area
The Red-crowned Crane Release Area is one of the most distinctive attractions in Zhalong Nature Reserve. At fixed times every day, staff release artificially bred red-crowned cranes into the sky. As the whistle sounds, a flock of red-crowned cranes spreads its wings and flies high, circling and soaring in the sky, creating a spectacular and beautiful scene. The white feathers and bright red crowns of the red-crowned cranes complement the blue sky and green wetland, forming a stunning ecological picture. Visitors can take wonderful photos of red-crowned cranes in flight here and feel the wonder and charm of nature.
Tour Route：
After entering the scenic area, visitors can first take a sightseeing bus to Zhalong Museum to learn about the Zhalong wetland and birds, with a visit time of about 1 hour. Then go to the Red-crowned Crane Release Area and arrive 30 minutes early to wait for the wonderful red-crowned crane release performance, with a viewing time of about 30 minutes. Afterward, walk or take a sightseeing bus to tour the Zhalong Wetland Core Area, enjoying the wetland scenery and bird landscapes along the crane-viewing boardwalk, with a tour time of about 2–3 hours. This route arrangement allows visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of Zhalong's ecological culture while also enjoying the most distinctive landscapes and performances.
Travel Tips：
Check the red-crowned crane release times and the latest scenic area information in advance through the official website or by phone, and arrange your itinerary reasonably so as not to miss the wonderful performance.
There are many mosquitoes in the wetland. It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent, long-sleeved clothing, etc., and take good mosquito prevention measures.
To better observe and photograph birds, you may bring equipment such as binoculars and telephoto cameras.
When visiting in summer, take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, etc.; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and wear thick cotton clothes, cotton shoes, gloves, and other cold-weather gear.
Some areas in the scenic area are original ecological environments, and the roads may be uneven. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes or outdoor shoes.
Precautions：
Strictly abide by the scenic area regulations and do not enter unopened areas at will to avoid danger.
Protect the scenic area environment, do not litter, and do not damage wetland vegetation or bird habitats.
Keep quiet when observing birds. Do not shout loudly or do anything that may frighten the birds, so as not to affect their lives.
When viewing at the Red-crowned Crane Release Area, follow the instructions of the staff, stand in designated areas, and do not approach the release area to ensure your own safety.
When taking the sightseeing bus, follow boarding order, sit firmly and hold on, and do not get on or off before the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Transportation：
Bus: In Qiqihar city, you can take Bus No. 306 from the Tongdong bus stop on Zhonghuan Road directly to Zhalong Nature Reserve. The fare is about 5 yuan, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Taxi: Taking a taxi from downtown Qiqihar to Zhalong Nature Reserve costs about 60–80 yuan, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The specific cost depends on actual road conditions and ride-hailing platform pricing.
Self-driving: From downtown Qiqihar, drive via Liantong Avenue and Qizha Highway to reach Zhalong Nature Reserve. The total distance is about 30 kilometers. Just follow the navigation. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, and the parking fee is about 5–10 yuan.
Opening Hours：
November 1 – April 15 of the following year: 08:30–16:00 (ticket sales stop at 15:00)
April 16 – October 31: 07:30–17:00 (ticket sales stop at 16:00)
Red-crowned Crane Wild Release Training Flight Times:
November 1 – April 15 of the following year: 10:00, 12:30, 15:00
April 16 – October 31: 09:30, 11:00, 14:00, 15:30
The specific release times may be adjusted according to weather, season, and other factors. Visitors can learn the latest information in advance through the scenic area's official website or official WeChat account.
Tickets：
Adult ticket shuttle bus: 75 yuan
Child ticket shuttle bus: 42.5 yuan
Senior ticket shuttle bus (60–64 years old): 42.5 yuan
Free ticket shuttle bus (65 years old and above): 10 yuan