Zhalong Ecotourism Area

Zhalong Ecotourism Area is located over 30 km southeast of Qiqihar city. It is one of the world's largest reed wetlands and the homeland of red-crowned cranes. The red-crowned crane is an endangered bird species, with fewer than 2,000 remaining worldwide. From March to October each year, about 400 red-crowned cranes migrate to Zhalong Wetland near the observation deck for breeding and resting. Here, visitors can admire the graceful figures of these cranes—either soaring in flight or wading through reeds in search of food. Every year, numerous photography enthusiasts come to capture these beautiful scenes.

The crane flight training is a signature attraction of the scenic area, with approximately 20-30 red-crowned cranes participating in each session. You'll see a group of red-crowned cranes in the distance begin their takeoff run and flight under the guidance of handlers waving poles, circling briefly in the air before returning to the training area. Since the training area is some distance from the crane observation deck, photography enthusiasts should prepare telephoto lenses to capture spectacular shots. In addition to red-crowned cranes, you can also spot rare birds like Siberian cranes, hooded cranes, white-naped cranes, and demoiselle cranes here. The red-crowned crane flight training lasts only about 2 minutes, so be sure to arrive early.

June to September is the best time to observe cranes, as there are more red-crowned cranes during this period. Some red-crowned cranes no longer migrate, so you can still see a few cranes in winter, though rarely. The reserve is a reed wetland with crisscrossing waterways, scattered lakes and marshes, and long wooden boardwalks built over the water. The attraction is quite large, and a full visit usually takes half a day. From the entrance to the crane observation area, there is a long stretch that can be covered by shuttle bus. The round-trip fare is CNY 10 per person. Board directly after ticket inspection and get off in front of the reception hall, then walk 2 km (about 30 mins) to reach the flight training platform.

Upon arrival at the attraction, it is advisable to check the flight training schedule first. If pressed for time, you can take electric bikes directly to the terminal station, then walk approx. 20 minutes to the crane release boardwalk to await the flight training. In case of special weather conditions (such as strong winds, rain, high temperatures, or other force majeure factors), the flight training may be less effective or canceled. You can also take a cruise (CNY 50 per person, approx. 20 minutes) through the reed marshes within the attraction, with the terminal point at the crane release boardwalk.