Zhalong Ecotourism Area

Zhalong Ecotourism Area is located approx. 30 km southeast of Qiqihar. As one of the world's largest reed wetlands, it serves as the natural habitat for red-crowned cranes. These endangered birds number fewer than 2,000 worldwide, with about 400 migrating to Zhalong Wetland's observation platform between March and October each year for breeding and resting. Visitors can admire the elegant cranes soaring through the skies or foraging among the reeds. The area attracts numerous photography enthusiasts annually who come to capture these magnificent scenes.

The crane flight training is a signature attraction at the park, featuring approximately 20–30 red-crowned cranes per session. You'll witness a distant flock of these majestic birds begin their takeoff run and soar into the sky under the guidance of handlers' pole signals, circling briefly before returning to the training area. Since the training zone is some distance from the observation deck, photography enthusiasts should bring telephoto lenses to capture stunning shots. Beyond red-crowned cranes, visitors can also spot other rare species like white cranes, hooded cranes, white-naped cranes, and demoiselle cranes. Each red-crowned crane flight demonstration lasts merely 2 minutes, so arrive early to secure your viewing spot.

The period from June to September is the best time to observe cranes, as this is when the red-crowned cranes are most abundant. Some red-crowned cranes no longer migrate, so you can still spot a few during winter, though sightings are rare. The reserve is a vast reed wetland crisscrossed by waterways, dotted with lakes and marshes, and features long wooden boardwalks built over the water. The scenic area is quite large, and a full visit typically takes half a day. From the entrance to the crane observation area, there's a long stretch to cover. You can take a shuttle bus for a round-trip fare of CNY 10 per person. Board directly after ticket check and disembark in front of the reception hall. Then, walk 2 km (about 30 minutes) to reach the flight training platform.

Upon arrival at the attraction, we recommend checking the flight training schedule first. If you're in a hurry, you can take the shuttle directly to the terminal station, then walk about 20 minutes to Fanghe Pier for the flight demonstration. From June 15 to August 31 and during golden weeks, there are four flight training sessions daily. Please note that special weather conditions (strong winds, rain, extreme heat, or other natural factors) may affect the flight performance or lead to cancellations. You can also enjoy a cruise (CNY 50 per person, approximately 20 minutes) through the reed marshes, with Fanghe Pier as the final stop.