Zhalong National Nature Reserve

Located 30 kilometers southeast of Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province, Zhalong Reed Wetland Park covers a total area of 210,000 hectares, ranking first in Asia and fourth in the world. It is the world's largest reed wetland, China's first national nature reserve, and has been included in China's first list of important wetlands of the world. The scenic area is densely dotted with lakes and reeds, creating a natural paradise for waterfowl and other birds to thrive and breed. There are 15 crane species in the world, nine of which are found in China, and six in Zhalong. There are fewer than 2,000 red-crowned cranes worldwide, with over 400 in Zhalong. Zhalong is a wetland ecosystem nature reserve. It comprises a large, permanent, seasonal freshwater marshland and numerous small, shallow lakes in the lower reaches of the Wuyur River. Surrounding the wetland are grasslands, farmland, and artificial fish ponds. The reserve primarily protects rare birds such as the red-crowned crane, as well as the wetland ecosystem. It is the most intact, pristine, and extensive wetland ecosystem preserved at its latitude in northern China.

The beauty of Zhalong in winter is so great that it makes me cry. When I see the flying red-crowned cranes, my tears will flow unconsciously, which purifies my soul.

In winter, there are two releases in the morning and afternoon. The afternoon session starts at 3 pm and ends around 3:40 pm.

If you arrive early, you can wander around and see a lot of wild cranes. I probably encountered about 8 of them.

I finally made it to Zhalong. I studied in Qiqihar for two years and visited other cities in Heilongjiang, but it was during my junior year back home that I finally visited Zhalong. I bought my ticket right at the entrance, and since I had my student ID, I got half-price. I also wanted to save money, so I skipped the electric bus for the scenic area and walked in. I regretted it halfway through. It was so cold. This red-crowned crane has been here the whole time. Why is the top of its head red? It's because it doesn't have feathers. Because it doesn't have feathers, I got to see it up close. The weather wasn't great that day at Zhalong Wetland, but on a clear day, the vast wetlands are truly stunning. Then I caught the crane's release.

I saw online that there's a wetland ecological reserve near Qiqihar. What captivated me most was that the Zhalong Natural Ecological Reserve is home to the red-crowned crane. Another animal I'd never seen before, I immediately made a whirlwind itinerary after getting off the train. Without planning ahead, I walked nearly two kilometers around Qiqihar Railway Station before finding the shuttle bus to the Zhalong scenic area. This delayed me, and I missed the prime opportunity to see the cranes released into the air. The Zhalong scenic area has two crane release times daily: 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., which are the best times to see them. The scenic area was deserted; winter is off-season, so there were virtually no tourists. The sky was vast, the wilderness was vast, and the wind rustled through the grass, revealing cranes. The area is large, and the wind was strong. The surrounding area was deserted. If I hadn't purchased a round-trip ticket when I boarded the bus and been told to wait at the scenic area gate at 12:30 p.m. for the return bus, hailing a taxi back to the city would have been difficult.

The ticket I bought from China-TravelNote said it included a ticket plus a battery car, but when I got there, I was told it was just the ticket. It was already very cold in November, and the lake was frozen. The red-crowned cranes kept slipping on it, but against the blue sky and the withered yellow reeds, it was still very beautiful. There are only two releases per day now, and I couldn't see any staff as I walked in. This is really the off-season.

You can take bus No. 306 from RT-Mart Longsha Store Station in Qiqihar City to Zhalong Nature Reserve. It passes the railway station and other stations along the way. The fare is 10 yuan per person.

The Zhalong National Nature Reserve is located about 30 km southeast of Qiqihar City. It is a wildlife type nature reserve with an inland wetland water ecosystem dominated by reed marshes. It spans six counties and districts in Qiqihar and Daqing. It has typical significance in the wetland network in my country and even in the world. In 1992, it was included in the first batch of "International Important Wetlands List", joined China's "Man and the Biosphere" network in 2001, and was rated as one of the 17 successful examples of internationally important wetland protection in the world in 2009. In 2013, it was awarded the title of "China is a Great Charming Wetland".

The Zhalong Wetland boasts a rich flora and fauna, boasting 468 species of higher plants and 269 bird species, including eight first-class national protected species and 33 second-class national protected species. Of the world's 15 crane species, nine are found in China, and six are found in the Zhalong Nature Reserve. Red-crowned cranes, white-naped cranes, and hooded cranes breed here, while Siberian cranes, Hooded cranes, and Grey cranes migrate and stop here. The Zhalong Nature Reserve is home to the world's largest breeding ground for wild red-crowned cranes, accounting for over 300 of the approximately 2,400 remaining wild cranes worldwide. Today, the Zhalong Nature Reserve serves as a key breeding, migratory stopover, and primary breeding ground for cranes, earning it a renowned status as a "bird paradise and crane hometown." In 1981, with approval from the former Ministry of Forestry, my country's first professional birdwatching tourist area, the Zhalong Ecological Tourism Zone, was established on the edge of the Zhalong Nature Reserve's experimental zone. In 2017, it was designated a first-batch "National Wetland Tourism Demonstration Base."

Tickets: 65 yuan/person during peak season (May 1st-October 31st), 45 yuan/person during off-season. A round-trip sightseeing bus ride from the ticket office to the boarding and alighting point (2 km from the release area) costs 10 yuan/person. A one-way train ride from the ticket office to the Wetland Museum (1 km from the release area) costs 30 yuan/person. Boat trips from the boarding and alighting point to the release area are 50 yuan/person for a large boat and 70 yuan for a fast boat. Scenic area opening hours: Peak season (May 1st-October 31st) 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (ticket sales stop at 4:00 PM), off-season 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM (ticket sales stop at 3:30 PM). Red-crowned crane rewilding training flights: Four times during peak season: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM; two times during off-season: 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM. Transportation: From Qiqihar city, there is bus No. 306 (starting from RT-Mart and stopping at the railway station), which is about 40 km to the scenic spot ticket office. The journey takes about 1 hour, and the ticket price is 10 yuan/person for a one-way trip and 20 yuan/person for a round trip. The bus runs every 30 minutes.

Because of that sad song many years ago, we came to Qiqihar Zhalong Nature Reserve.



"A True Story" tells the touching story of a young girl, Xu Xiujuan, who protected and raised red-crowned cranes and sacrificed her life for them. Beautiful red-crowned cranes and endless reed wetlands, as you set foot on this land, a familiar melody rings in your ears.



The cranes are so beautiful and graceful. There are 4-5 times every day when cranes are released in the Zhalong Nature Reserve. The specific time is announced on Zhalong’s official Weibo and at the entrance of the scenic area. At the time, after a melodious music, a whistle sounds, and more than 30 red-crowned cranes fly into the sky and come to the tourists for them to take pictures and watch. Now the red-crowned cranes are raised a little too lazy, and after flying around, they go to find food on their own.



The Zhalong Nature Reserve is very sunny. It is full of reeds and there is no shelter. You need to pay attention to sun protection. I have been very careful, but I still got sunburned.



While appreciating the beauty of the red-crowned cranes, we also pay tribute to those who have dedicated their entire lives, even their lives, to protecting them. It is also our responsibility and obligation to live in harmony with nature.

It's so beautiful. I don't know why the moment the red-crowned cranes take off is so touching. There are four performances a day. They fly out from behind a small hill, circle around, and then land on the hill. Then the staff feeds them. The audience watches from a viewing platform across a small river from the hill.

Although I've heard of these touching stories and sung about them in songs, the moment the red-crowned cranes soared out from behind the low hills still captivated me. It's a scene beyond description. The unique characteristics of the cranes and the symbolism they represent are truly captivating. It was a truly worthwhile trip.

Take bus No. 306 from the train station to the terminus. The ride takes about 10 yuan and runs every half hour. You need to hail the bus; it won't stop unless you hail it.

The entrance fee for the attraction plus the electric car is 75￥. The scenery is beautiful and not crowded. It takes half an hour to walk to the crane release area! The first batch of cranes arrived at 9:30. The little red-crowned cranes are very beautiful, with white and smooth feathers! You can tell at a glance that they are carefully fed!

It is a small and well-protected scenic spot, suitable for parents to enjoy the scenery!

It's a 4A-level scenic spot. The ticket sellers and staff were very friendly. There's a long way from the ticket office to the center of the scenic area. I highly recommend taking the 10-yuan sightseeing bus, round trip. It's 10 yuan, and it takes a long time to walk without it. The crane release time is 9:00 and 11:30. I arrived at 9:00 and left at 12:00. Three hours was enough for the entire scenic area. I took bus No. 306 from Dafuyuan RT-Mart. It stops at the train station, but there's no bus stop sign, and the bus sign doesn't say 306. It runs every 15 minutes. The scenery is okay, and it's a large wetland. Be careful when there's water.

Zhalong is the world's largest reed wetland with excellent biodiversity.

In addition to the red-crowned cranes, we also saw white-crowned cranes!

Here you can watch the red-crowned cranes foraging and flying up close.

The scenic area is well protected, providing a perfect habitat for the red-crowned cranes.

I was originally going to Hulunbuir Grassland, but I stopped here for a stopover. It was a pleasant surprise. The tranquil wetlands and the beautiful red-crowned cranes. These cranes are only released for a short period at designated times. I went there several years ago, so I don't know how they are doing now.

The sky is high and the clouds are light, and red-crowned cranes are flying, that's Zhalong.

In July 2018, I drove through Qiqihar and stayed at the Yishi Yijia Theme Hotel Apartment (Qiqihar Station South Street Branch) for one night. The next morning, I went to the Zhalong National Nature Reserve to watch the red-crowned cranes.

While the red-crowned crane is native to the area, the chances of seeing one in the wild are slim. You can only watch the staged release performances, which take place several times a day (at 9:30 and 11:00 AM, and 2:00 and 3:30 PM when I visited, for reference only; please refer to the scenic area notices for details). The performance venue is at the end of the scenic area. First, take a battery-powered car (required) to drive in a short distance, then you can choose to hike 2 kilometers or take a boat (an additional 50 yuan) to the release performance area. Since I arrived at 1:30 PM and there was a release at 2:00 PM, I had no choice but to rush to the end of the scenic area, watch the release, and then explore the surrounding area.

The release show was not very smooth. The red-crowned cranes were not very active. They were supposed to fly out from behind the hill, but instead they walked out leisurely and came to the river in front of us to hunt... Everyone quickly picked up the camera and took panoramic and close-up photos, after all, you can't see so many red-crowned cranes gathering together anywhere else.

Some tourists initially complained that the release show was just a few cranes flying in the sky and then running to eat fish in front of them, but I didn’t even see them flying... In order to take satisfactory photos, many tourists stayed from morning to night and would wait for the next show.

My short two-hour visit was not enough to appreciate its true beauty. I just hope these birds can live happily here forever.

Zhalong, ticket price is 75 yuan.

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

The release times during peak season are: 9:30 and 11:00 in the morning and 14:00 and 15:30 in the afternoon every day, for a total of four times.

From Qiqihar Railway Station to Zhalong, bus 306 runs directly every half hour and takes about an hour. The latest return bus leaves at around 4:30 PM.



Qiqihar is known as the Crane City. The Zhalong Wetland is home to thousands of red-crowned and white cranes. Every year from April to May, the cranes stop here before continuing their migration to Siberia to breed. From September to October, they migrate south for the winter, stopping here again before flying south to destinations like Yancheng. Therefore, Zhalong serves as a highway rest area.



Zhalong truly gained fame thanks to the song "A True Story" and a girl named Xu Xiujuan. She grew up in the Zhalong Nature Reserve and became a crane breeder. Later, she traveled to Yancheng, bringing crane breeding techniques to a newly established nature reserve there. She later died on the job while searching for a lost red-crowned crane chick. Her story was later chronicled in this song.

June was already past the red-crowned crane migration season, but fortunately, there was a performance of releasing captive cranes. Although I didn't catch the spectacular flight of hundreds of cranes, I did see them quietly foraging on the water. The wetland is vast, the sky is blue, and the reeds are abundant. It was much more beautiful than I had expected and was well worth the wait.

The weather was a bit chilly in mid-October, but the enthusiasm for watching the red-crowned cranes remained undiminished, waiting in the cold wind for their release. To get more good photos, I watched two consecutive performances. The cranes, with their graceful and beautiful demeanor, were truly worth seeing.

The 306 special bus to Zhalong starts from a bus stop near RT-Mart (actually, it is next to Liu Yishou Hot Pot Restaurant. If you wait at the bus stop in front of the hot pot restaurant, you have to wave your hand before the bus stops). It also goes to the railway station, but there will be no 306 bus stop sign at the bus stop.

At Zhalong Wetland, cranes soar into the sky. Be sure to come on a rainy day to see the cranes released. It's a spectacular sight.

Any photo taken here is beautiful, and the key is that I like all of them. It's not because my photography skills are good, but because the scenery and the ecology are seamlessly integrated, and they are harmonious and natural in themselves.

The golden reeds, coupled with the season when the sun angle is relatively low, the autumn wind blowing the reeds, and the ripples in the wetland waters are really beautiful.

The beautiful story of the crested crane is here, and Xu Xiujuan's former residence is just on the road. It is all reed marshes, and it will be more comfortable to come in June. There is a large lotus pond inside.

During the 2018 National Day holiday, I visited Zhalong to see the red-crowned cranes. I wasn't particularly interested beforehand, but it was truly worth it. Without further ado, here's the lowdown: We drove from downtown Qiqihar near New Mart, and the drive took less than an hour. As we approached the reserve, we were greeted by stunning views of vast expanses of reeds. There was no need to rush to get out of the car to take photos; you could still see the scenery from the scenic area. Parking is charged at 5 yuan per car. Because it was National Day, the ticket line was quite long, so we waited about 45 minutes. We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid long lines. Online tickets should be purchased two hours in advance, so plan your time accordingly. After entering the scenic area, the line for the sightseeing bus was relatively quick, about 10 minutes. The walk to the crane release platform, where you can walk and sightsee, took about 40 minutes. This means if you plan to see the 11:00 release, you'll need to purchase your tickets an hour in advance. Of course, if you're taking the boat, you can arrive even faster. The crane releases typically take place four times at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM, with an additional one at 12:00 PM during National Day. Please confirm with the park staff for details. I personally feel that once you reach the crane release platform, the view is excellent, so you don't need to go to the front. The dirt slope is also very good for viewing. The cranes will fly around twice and then descend, so you can get a closer look. While waiting for the release, we unexpectedly spotted a red-crowned crane in the reeds on the other side. The sun was shining brightly when we arrived, and it wasn't cold compared to the city, but the wind was quite strong, so it was best to bring a hat to prevent the wind from blowing on your forehead. During the National Day holiday, you didn't have to go without an umbrella, but when you exited, you still felt very hot in just a short-sleeved shirt. The walk to the release platform is through the reeds, and the wooden floor is not difficult to navigate. The walk out is along the edge. If you have young children, you'll still need a stroller, but we pushed one the entire way, which was quite convenient. There are very few rest chairs in the park, so half a day in Zhalong was enough. By the way, there's a gas station (I can't remember what it was called) near the Zhalong Nature Reserve. The gas is very cheap, 1.5 yuan cheaper than in the city. We filled up with 200 yuan, and the gas was of good quality. I hope this helps.

As a Qiqihar native, this was my first time there. I was so excited. I highly recommend it to all my friends.

To enter the scenic area, you need to take an electric car to the pier, but you can also take a boat for a quicker ride to the crane viewing platform. The crane release begins at 11 a.m., with the cranes flying around the lake before lingering in front of the viewing platform. The reed marsh stretches endlessly, and it's said to be as large as Daqing. There's a small hill within, offering panoramic views of the release process, and the viewing platform allows for close encounters with the cranes. Be prepared for sun protection. Afterward, follow the plank road to the pier, which is about two kilometers long. In the middle, you'll see the crane breeding area, allowing you to experience the cranes up close.

The red-crowned cranes you see in Zhalong are all captive-raised. They are released four times daily at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM, each flight lasting about half an hour. It's said that red-crowned cranes are more energetic and eager to fly in the morning, but less so in the afternoon. Therefore, locals tend to flock to the area in the morning, and this is indeed the case. We entered the scenic area at 1:00 PM, took an electric car to the drop-off point, and then walked for another half-hour to the crane viewing platform. In the afternoon, there were fewer people, making it easier to find a spot. Many of those sitting in the first row by the water had arrived around 11:00 AM. They were afraid of missing out on a good spot as the cranes were returning to their sheds, so they stayed put. Therefore, crane viewing is crucial. We were lucky, arriving at 2:00 PM. We first spotted a single red-crowned crane strolling by the water. We heard it was a free-range crane, not part of the released group. Soon after, a flock of cranes arrived from behind the slope, circling the area before frolicking and feeding in the grass and water. We counted a total of 42. My son had the camera, so I could only snap some snaps with my phone. I usually think my phone's camera is pretty good, but at that moment it was completely subpar. A telephoto DSLR lens is essential for capturing the red-crowned cranes. Let's just make do with this. Around 2:30 PM, the staff herded the cranes back into the shed behind the slope. At that moment, the free-range cranes came out again, free to wander.

The red-crowned cranes are very elegant and proud, and that's the only thing to see. It's quite good.

Zhalong Nature Reserve holds four daily training sessions for releasing red-crowned cranes: morning sessions at 9:30 and 11:00, and afternoon sessions at 14:00 and 15:30. There are fewer than 2,000 red-crowned cranes worldwide, and over 400 are found in the Zhalong Nature Reserve.

After getting off the sightseeing bus, you can walk to the place where the red-crowned cranes are released, which takes about 30 minutes. You can also take a cruise for 50 yuan per person. If you can't catch the release time, you can choose to take a speedboat for 70 yuan per person.

After watching the release of the red-crowned cranes, you will see a sea of flowers along the plank road. Girls who love taking photos should not miss this beautiful place.

Staying near the scenic area isn't recommended, as most of the accommodation is in modest farmhouses. Zhalong Wetland isn't large, so half a day is enough to explore. Tickets can be purchased online, and there's a separate entrance to the park. However, you won't be given a ticket, so you can't take a souvenir photo. Instead, you'll receive a small, machine-printed receipt, which you'll have to keep! First, take a shuttle bus to the scenic area. The main attraction is the red-crowned crane release show, which takes place four times a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon: 9:30, 11:00, 14:30, and 16:00. Depending on your schedule, the approximately 2-kilometer walk from the scenic area to the release site is worthwhile. There's no need to rush in and take the expensive boat ride; you can enjoy plenty of scenery while walking. Many people arrive after 9:00 AM and rush to catch the first release, falling prey to the scam! The release show is actually a captive red-crowned crane released by a keeper, and many people insist on getting close. However, the best spot for viewing the release is from the small hillside. If any friends go there and hike in, they will understand what I mean by the small hill. I also knew about this place from travel notes, and I understood it when I arrived at the release point. The location is really great!

We spent more than half a day in Zhalong. It was very sunny there because there were no trees to shade us, but it was cool with the water and the wind.

I've always wanted to visit Zhalong because of the story of the red-crowned crane girl. This time, on my way back from Beihong Village, I made a special detour to see the cranes. I just had to time the release time, but the time was a bit short, leaving me wanting more. It would be great if these cranes could be kept free, so I could see them playing and frolicking everywhere. Overall, I highly recommend it.

The dragon-shaped structure lived up to its reputation, with two dragons made of plants at the entrance. The scenery was nice, but the animal and plant exhibition hall I remembered from my childhood was gone, or I couldn't find it. It was full of Northeastern hospitality and felt comfortable.

There is something special about releasing tamed wild cranes. The elegant and noble cranes have rich expressions and beautiful meanings in the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism.

I hope everything will be as good as the sky.

After entering the Zhalong Scenic Area, you'll need to take a sightseeing bus. Tickets for the bus are sold together with your entrance fee and are mandatory. After getting off the bus and walking a short distance, you'll see a pavilion and a lotus pond. Our visit was during lotus season, with some lotuses in bud, others in full bloom, each standing tall and beautiful. Further along, you'll find a stone monument marking the wetland. It's the perfect season for lush grass and abundant water, with lakes nestled between vast expanses of reeds. Walking along the plank path, you'll feel a sense of sudden enlightenment. The tranquil lake, emerald green grass, and swaying reeds create a unique wetland world.

A trip to Zhalong isn't just about seeing the wetlands; more importantly, it's about seeing the red-crowned cranes. The most important thing you can't miss is watching the crane release. The release schedule has been expanded from two per day to four: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM. Everyone's eyes follow the cranes, watching their free-flying dance, punctuated by bursts of clear, resonant calls that echo across the sky. Before long, all the released cranes have returned. Their varied landing poses are truly captivating! The cranes' graceful flight and leisurely stroll through the water are equally captivating! Everyone lingers, watching them again and again, reluctant to leave.

China's largest wetland nature reserve attracts a large number of migratory birds each year during the bird migration season. The most famous bird is, of course, the red-crowned crane. To enter the reserve, you first need to take an eco-friendly bus (which seems to be a major revenue generator for domestic tourist areas), followed by a long walk to the crane release site. Releases take place four times daily: 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Each release lasts half an hour, but these captive cranes are quite lazy, flying for only a few seconds before landing at the water's edge to find food. However, their flight is truly breathtaking. Therefore, if you want to see the cranes in action, it's best to arrive at the release site five minutes early to be ready, otherwise you'll have to wait for the next one.

After watching the release, there were many other birds on the way back, but compared to them, the red-crowned crane was the most spectacular.

When you come to Qiqihar, you should see the red-crowned cranes

Be sure to bring a telephoto lens

Zhalong, a large wetland, a true story about cranes.

This is the adoption center for red-crowned cranes. It's a pity that we didn't see the migrating cranes.

The reserve is 30 kilometers from the city center. Bus No. 306 is generally available (it's a different bus, more like a tourist bus). However, the 306 doesn't depart from the train station, so if you don't know the departure time, it's difficult to determine how long the previous bus has been and when the next one will arrive. Taking a Didi is not expensive (around 40 yuan), but the driver will likely add an extra 20 yuan for an empty return trip. Consider the reserve's red-crowned crane release times—9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM—to decide your preferred method of transportation. A taxi takes about 45 minutes, while the bus is even slower (though our return trip took only 50 minutes).

The scenery inside the scenic area wasn't as good as I'd imagined, perhaps due to its focus on nature. The tall weeds made it difficult to capture beautiful photos. The highlight was the scene where numerous red-crowned cranes soared and played in the release area. Before arriving at the release area, you'll also have the opportunity to see red-crowned cranes outside their cages, as well as in the captive area.

Check the release time in advance. There are only four flights a day. Pay attention to sun protection and mosquito repellent. I didn't spray floral water and was bitten on my wrists and ankles when I wore long sleeves and long pants.

The training area is very far away and is a wetland with only reeds and no trees for shade. After taking the electric car to get there, it takes about half an hour to walk to the training area. So if you want to watch the 9:30 training flight, you must arrive at 8:50 to catch it. You can still watch the later shows, but it is really hot.

The hometown of the red-crowned crane has beautiful scenery and is worth a visit.

The national-level Red-crowned Crane Nature Reserve is home to the charming red-crowned cranes. I learned about this beautiful red-crowned crane in elementary school. Many years later, I visited Zhalong. I was deeply shocked to see the red-crowned cranes released. The beautiful white cranes, guided by the whistle, spread their wings and flew high, which was very beautiful.

Zhalong Nature Reserve is the hometown of red-crowned cranes and an internationally important wetland. It is a place we have long wanted to visit.

The entrance fee to Zhalong Nature Reserve is half price (32.5 yuan for seniors) and the bus ticket is 10 yuan, for a total of 85 yuan for two people. Parking is free. It rained that day, so we camped. The next morning, we took an electric car to the wetland. The scenery of Zhalong Nature Reserve is beautiful.

The artificially raised red-crowned cranes in the reserve are released three times a day. You can walk to the spherical building or take a boat. We walked and enjoyed the scenery along the way and watched the red-crowned cranes up close. We had plenty of time, so we watched two releases of red-crowned cranes. Although the sky was not good, the red-crowned cranes flew so beautifully.

Walking in this wetland, the air is fresh and the mood is relaxed. What a beautiful Zhalong Nature Reserve, the hometown of the red-crowned crane.

It was a perfect weekend! Qiqihar was incredibly beautiful. The air quality was excellent, and Zhalong was stunning. Bus No. 306 is available from Qiqihar Station, stopping at the scenic area entrance for 10 yuan per person. Round-trip tickets are sold on the bus for 20 yuan, payable via WeChat. The scenic area hosts four crane releases daily, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The cranes are quite lazy, flying only a short circle and then stopping, simply wandering around the water's edge. The keepers throw dead fish into the water for the cranes to feed on, which is when you're closest to the cranes from the crane viewing platform. Filming with my phone was no problem at all, except for the release video, which was a bit slow. The scenic area is absolutely stunning, and will definitely be a hit on your social media feeds.

A friend told me that he and his relatives went to the Zhalong Nature Reserve in Qiqihar last year. The sight of the red-crowned cranes flying there was spectacular. I couldn't help but want to go to Zhalong to see how the red-crowned cranes fly. So I came to the Zhalong Nature Reserve on July 1, 2018, looking forward to seeing the red-crowned cranes flying. We arrived at the reserve at around 12 o'clock and watched the one at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The result was very disappointing. The red-crowned cranes were chased and released by four or five staff members. They returned to the grass less than 20 or 30 meters after taking off. The staff drove the red-crowned cranes to the pond with food, but the red-crowned cranes were unwilling to go into the water. So I didn't see the spectacular sight of the red-crowned cranes flying that my friend mentioned. I was very disappointed and came back with regret.

I went there with a friend. We originally planned to go in June, but my friend had to leave, so we went on May 19th. I didn't expect it to be free. It was only free on that day. There were a lot of people and the scenery was also very good.

The world-class red-crowned crane protected wetland is well worth a visit

The red-crowned cranes in the wetland are released at fixed times: 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Only by reaching the crane viewing platform during these times can you witness the scenic area's core attraction: flocks of cranes soaring, playing in the water, and feeding at close range. The wetland is incredibly beautiful, stretching as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately, the weather was inclement, with heavy rain. My clothes were soaking wet, and I ended up using my hat as a cushion for fear of catching a cold. Sister Chen's shoes got wet, so we went to buy shoes that evening. Because of the heavy rain, the cranes didn't fly, but simply strolled along the riverbank. It was a bit of a shame. Had the weather been better, the wetland and the cranes would have been even more beautiful.

Zhalong Wetland is the largest nature reserve in my country for protecting cranes, waterfowl and other animals. Nearly one-fifth of the world's cranes live here, and there are two crane release performances every day.

The red-crowned cranes are all captive. When I came, they were released twice a day at 2:00 in the morning and 3:30 in the afternoon, a total of four times. Remember to check it out.

It's a bit cloudy, it would be perfect if it had blue sky and white clouds!

Here I would like to remind everyone that red-crowned cranes are also somewhat aggressive, so be careful.

The release schedule for red-crowned cranes in the Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang Province has been changed from two releases per day to four releases per day since April 15, 2018, at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. and 14:00 and 15:30 p.m. every day.

The world's largest red-crowned crane reserve. The cranes we saw weren't wild, so they couldn't fly very high. We had to walk into the Zhalong Reserve to see the cranes' release, so be sure to check the release times online to avoid missing out. The entire Zhalong Wetland is a vast expanse of reeds. The wind was so strong that even a 180-pound man would be blown away. Bring warmth, though. The golden reeds are perfect for photos.

There are two performances of releasing red-crowned cranes every day. When the cranes fly over the sky with long calls, the harmony between man and nature is very wonderful. It is a particularly good attraction and worth visiting.

I went there in the early years and my personal impression was very small. Since you can't cruise in the wetland in winter, I feel that there are very few attractions.

Regarding the Zhalong Nature Reserve, it is important to note that the red-crowned cranes have a fixed release time. Only by arriving at the crane viewing platform during this period can you see the core landscape of the scenic area: flocks of red-crowned cranes soaring, playing in the water, and feeding at close range.

The Crane Flying to the Sky in Zhalong is so beautiful, I will never forget it.

In the morning, take the earliest train from Harbin to Qiqihar. The journey takes about two hours and costs 100 yuan. After exiting the station, walk 200 meters to the right and you'll see the bus stop for bus number 306. The fare is 10 yuan, and the destination is Zhalong Nature Reserve. This is the home of red-crowned cranes, and there are four crane releases daily: at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., and at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. The scenic area entrance is quite far from the crane release area, so it's recommended to plan your trip accordingly. I arrived at 10:50 a.m., so I took a speedboat to catch the 11:00 release.

People come here to watch the release of red-crowned cranes. This is the hometown of the red-crowned crane, a national first-class protected animal and a symbol of longevity and faithful love.

But I also particularly like the environment here. In late autumn, the reeds in the water give off a northern feeling.

Take bus 306 from Qiqihar Railway Station to Zhalong Scenic Area, 10 yuan per person, but round-trip tickets are sold directly for 20 yuan

When buying tickets at the scenic spot, I was the only one who stubbornly refused to buy a sightseeing bus ticket. It took me more than half an hour to get there, but the scenery along the way was still very good, with endless reed fields, blue sky, and big clouds. Apart from the passing vehicles, I was the only one there.

Because I missed the first release, I had to wait on the shore for more than an hour, but I also had the advantage of being in the front row. As the breeder ran, a large group of cranes flew over my head. As someone who saw the red-crowned cranes up close for the first time, I was very excited.

But don't throw food into the river to feed the red-crowned cranes, and don't get too close to them for taking pictures. The red-crowned cranes are quite aggressive. I was almost bitten by a red-crowned crane. I cried.

Take bus 306 directly to the Zhalong Scenic Area near the Qiqihar RT-Mart for 10 yuan per person. Once there, buy the sightseeing bus, boat, and entrance tickets. I recommend walking there first and then taking the boat back for more convenience. The area is beautiful, with endless reed marshes. The cranes flying in the air are also spectacular, though the flight time is short. You can see the cranes up close later, which is a wonderful experience and worth a visit.

It's a beautiful place, open and pure. There are more people watching cranes during the festival, and they are released at 2 o'clock.

It's a beautiful place. When we arrived in Zhalong, it was just past the time for the red-crowned cranes to be released. We sat there and waited for two hours... Even just two or three minutes was worth it. I don't know if it was because I wasn't tall enough or what, the pictures I took were not particularly beautiful, but what I saw was indeed amazing, the sky was blue and the water was beautiful, the red-crowned cranes were also very proud, I fell in love with this place at first sight, walking on the plank road, I unconsciously hummed the song written for the girl who sacrificed her life to protect the red-crowned cranes, and tears filled my eyes unconsciously. Zhalong, a nature reserve, those natural and ecological beauties were exchanged for their lives, so it's sad to see some people feeding the red-crowned cranes biscuits and bread despite the warning signs prohibiting feeding, and some people throw empty mineral water bottles into the water. In fact, I recommend this attraction to let everyone experience the beauty of nature and humanity, and to tell those who have not been there and want to go, remember to take care of them

For a wetland, the scenery is quite nice. There are plenty of reeds. Wild birds aren't often seen here, perhaps because it's close to the city? But everyone knows this place precisely because of the red-crowned crane, a rare bird. To keep these cranes, they've been raised as pets. But at least you can finally see them up close.

I took the first bus 306 early in the morning and it left at 6:20. The park opened at 7:00, so I arrived there just in time. I took a ten-yuan electric car to the pier, but the cruise ship was not operating yet, so I walked in for about 20 minutes.

Don't forget to buy the electric car for 10 yuan when you buy tickets, which also comes with a circus ticket. I also heard from a professor at Qiqihar University that the best view is from the riverside. The red-crowned cranes fly for about 2-3 minutes, so you have to be prepared, otherwise you will definitely not be able to take pictures. The red-crowned cranes are so beautiful and elegant👍👍

I just watched the release of the red-crowned cranes, and I felt it was pretty good. Now I am waiting to watch the big circus. To come to this park, you need to have time. Those who come with tour groups come and go in a hurry, so it may not be worth it. The experience of nature feels good when you travel on your own.

The elegant red-crowned crane, white-naped crane, and white crane. Just letting them fly is not enough.

The scenic area is quite large, with a wetland park feel, and the scenery is mostly reed marshes. The crane release period is very short, only three or four times a day, so most of the time is spent waiting. The entrance fee is not very worthwhile, and overall I think it's average. If you have plenty of time, you can come and see it, but if you are short on time, you can ignore it.

It was a bit cloudy the day I visited Zhalong Wetland, and even after adjusting the lighting, it remained cloudy. There was a roadblocking crane not far from the entrance to the scenic area. I initially thought its appearance was accidental, but friends who visited the next day also reported seeing it. I guess it was just guarding the road, giving passing tourists a warning. If you want to take a photo with a red-crowned crane, be sure to keep your distance. Red-crowned cranes are very protective, and their beaks are long and strong, so getting pecked is not good. Besides, they are nationally protected animals and are more valuable than humans.

It is worth taking a speedboat and watching the red-crowned cranes. The red-crowned cranes are very beautiful when they are released in good weather, and their reflections in the water are even more elegant.

The Zhalong Nature Reserve releases red-crowned cranes four times a day, at 9:30 and 11:00 in the morning and 14:00 and 15:30 in the afternoon.

Pets are not allowed here, and there are many puppies outside the scenic area.

A scenic spot where you can watch red-crowned cranes up close and see them released is worth visiting.

I have been to Zhalong many times, and the feeling is different every time. Different seasons have different beauty. There are reeds everywhere in autumn, taking a boat in summer is also a good choice, and the scenery in winter is even more different. In short, if it is your first time to Qiqihar, Zhalong is a must-see attraction, no doubt about it.

It is indeed a picturesque place, and the price is not expensive. It is just too sunny in the summer. If you have time, you can spend a whole day strolling there!