Zhalong National Nature Reserve is located about 30 kilometers southeast of Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province. It is one of the first members of China's "List of Wetlands of International Importance", and it is also a national nature reserve and a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The total area of the reserve is 210,000 hectares. It is the largest and world-famous Zhalong Wetland in China, belonging to a typical inland wetland and water ecosystem. Here, there are vast reed swamps, scattered lakes, clear water quality, and abundant fish and shrimp, which make it an ideal habitat for birds to breed and inhabit. Especially, there are many cranes, and it is known as the "Hometown of Cranes". There are 15 species of cranes in the world, 9 species in China, and Zhalong is home to 6 species such as the Red-crowned Crane, White-naped Crane, and Demoiselle Crane. It is an excellent place to watch wild cranes.
History and Culture
The wetland ecosystem in the Zhalong area has been formed over a long period of time. As early as the Qing Dynasty, due to its lush water and grass, it became a royal hunting ground and was called the "Hometown of Red-crowned Cranes", carrying people's special feelings for this wetland and rare birds.
In 1979, the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province 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". With the passage of time, Zhalong Nature Reserve has been continuously developing in ecological protection, scientific research and monitoring, popular science education, etc., and has become an important window to showcase the achievements of China's wetland ecological protection. It has also attracted many domestic and foreign tourists and scientific researchers.
In December 2024, it was rated as a national AAAAA-level tourist scenic area.
Main Attractions
Core Area of Zhalong Wetland
The core area of Zhalong Wetland is the core part of the nature reserve, with a vast area, accounting for an important part of the total area of the reserve. Here, the original wetland landscape is well-preserved. Vast reed marshes sway in the wind as far as the eye can see. Many lakes and marshes are interconnected, providing abundant food sources and habitats for birds. Tourists can closely observe the graceful postures of various rare birds such as the Red-crowned Crane foraging, playing, and flying in the wetland. Facilities such as the Crane Viewing Platform are set up in the core area, which is convenient for tourists to view the wetland and bird landscapes in all directions.
Zhalong Museum
Zhalong Museum is an important place to learn about the wetland ecosystem and bird knowledge in Zhalong. Through various forms such as graphic display boards, physical specimens, and multimedia displays, the museum introduces in detail the formation and development of Zhalong Wetland, as well as the rich animal and plant resources in the wetland, especially the living habits and distribution of various cranes. The museum has a large collection of bird specimens, including the Red-crowned Crane and White-naped Crane, allowing tourists to have a more intuitive understanding of these rare birds. In addition, the museum also showcases the achievements of Zhalong National Nature Reserve in ecological protection, scientific research and monitoring, etc.
Red-crowned Crane Release Area
The Red-crowned Crane Release Area is one of the most distinctive attractions in Zhalong National Nature Reserve. At fixed times every day, the staff will release the artificially bred Red-crowned Cranes into the sky. With the sound of the whistle, a group of Red-crowned Cranes spread their wings and soar high, circling in the sky, presenting a spectacular and beautiful scene. The white feathers and bright red crowns of the Red-crowned Cranes contrast with the blue sky and green wetland, forming a magnificent ecological picture. Tourists can take wonderful pictures of the Red-crowned Cranes flying here and feel the magic and charm of nature.
Delicacies
Qiqihar Barbecue
Qiqihar barbecue is a very distinctive delicacy around Zhalong National Nature Reserve. High-quality beef is selected and marinated with a unique recipe to make it tender, juicy, and full of flavor. There are various ways to barbecue, which can be directly roasted over charcoal fire, and paired with vegetables such as onions and green peppers, resulting in a rich taste. When barbecuing, the aroma of the meat spreads, and it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Dipped in the locally made special dry seasoning or sesame paste and other seasonings, the taste is even more unique. You can taste authentic Qiqihar barbecue in many restaurants around the reserve.
Iron Pot Stew
Iron pot stew is a traditional Northeast Chinese cuisine and is also quite popular around Zhalong. Common ones include iron pot stewed fish and iron pot stewed goose. Using fresh fish or goose as the main ingredients, it is paired with a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, vermicelli, and cabbage, and slowly stewed in a large iron pot. The stewed dishes have a rich flavor, thick soup, and the ingredients fully absorb each other's flavors, making it very appetizing. Families or friends sit around the iron pot, chatting while eating, full of the rich atmosphere of Northeast Chinese life.
Sticky Bean Buns
Sticky bean buns are one of the characteristic staple foods in Northeast China. The skin is made of yellow rice flour, and the filling is made of red beans and other ingredients, and then steamed. It has a soft and glutinous texture, sweet and delicious taste, with a unique rice and bean aroma. Sticky bean buns are not only a traditional delicacy loved by local residents but also a good choice for tourists to taste the flavors of Northeast China. They are available in many farmhouses and specialty stores around the reserve.
Tickets
Adult ticket + shuttle bus: 75 yuan
Child ticket + shuttle bus: 42.5 yuan
Senior ticket (60 to 64 years old) + shuttle bus: 42.5 yuan
Free ticket (over 65 years old) + shuttle bus: 10 yuan
Tourists can search for the official WeChat account "扎龙生态旅游区" to get the latest news or purchase tickets online to avoid queuing at the scenic area ticket office.
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)
Wild Training and Flying Time of Red-crowned Cranes:
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 time may be adjusted according to factors such as weather and season. Tourists can check the official website of the scenic area or the official WeChat account of the scenic area in advance to get the latest information.
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first take a sightseeing bus to Zhalong Museum to learn about the relevant knowledge of Zhalong Wetland and birds, which takes about 1 hour for the visit. Then go to the Red-crowned Crane Release Area and arrive 30 minutes in advance to wait for the wonderful Red-crowned Crane release performance, which takes about 30 minutes to watch. After that, walk or take a sightseeing bus to visit the core area of Zhalong Wetland, and enjoy the wetland scenery and bird landscapes along the Crane Viewing Trail, which takes about 2 to 3 hours for the tour. Such a route arrangement allows tourists to have an in-depth understanding of the ecological culture of Zhalong and also enjoy the most distinctive landscapes and performances.
Transportation
- By Bus: In Qiqihar City, you can take Bus No. 306 at the Tongdong Bus Station on Zhonghuan Road and directly reach Zhalong National Nature Reserve. The ticket price is about 5 yuan, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
- By Taxi: Taking a taxi from the urban area of Qiqihar to Zhalong National Nature Reserve costs about 60 to 80 yuan, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The specific cost depends on the actual road conditions and the pricing of the taxi platform.
- By Self-driving: Starting from the urban area of Qiqihar, you can reach Zhalong National Nature Reserve via Liantong Avenue and Qizha Road. Just follow the navigation. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, and the parking fee is about 5 to 10 yuan.
Must-visit Attractions
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Red-crowned Crane Release Area
There are multiple fixed-time Red-crowned Crane release performances every day, with a spectacular scene. Tourists can closely observe the graceful postures of the Red-crowned Cranes soaring in the sky, making it an excellent place to photograph birds and feel the charm of nature.
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Core Area of Zhalong Wetland
It has a vast original wetland landscape, with reed marshes, lakes, and marshes interwoven, which is the habitat of many birds. Tourists can use facilities such as the Crane Viewing Platform to view the wetland ecology and various birds in all directions and feel the tranquility and vitality of nature.
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Zhalong Museum
Through rich graphic, physical, and multimedia displays, it introduces in detail the wetland ecosystem and bird knowledge in Zhalong, helping tourists to have an in-depth understanding of the natural environment and ecological protection achievements of Zhalong, with strong significance in popular science education.
Tour Tips
- Check the official website of the scenic area or consult by phone in advance to learn about the flying time of Red-crowned Cranes and the latest news of the scenic area, and arrange your itinerary reasonably to avoid missing the wonderful performance.
- There are many mosquitoes in the wetland. It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent, long-sleeved clothes, etc. to take mosquito prevention measures.
- To better observe and photograph birds, you can bring equipment such as binoculars and telephoto cameras.
- When visiting in summer, take sun protection measures, such as bringing sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, etc.; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and wear thick cotton clothes, cotton shoes, gloves and other cold protection equipment.
- Some areas in the scenic area are in their original ecological environment, and the roads may not be very smooth. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes or outdoor shoes.
Notes
- Strictly abide by the regulations of the scenic area and do not enter the unopened areas at will to avoid danger.
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area, do not litter, and do not damage the wetland vegetation and bird habitats.
- Keep quiet when watching birds, and do not make loud noises or actions that may scare the birds to avoid affecting the life of the birds.
- When watching in the Red-crowned Crane Release Area, follow the instructions of the staff, stand in the designated area, and do not approach the release area to ensure your own safety.
- When taking the sightseeing bus, abide by the boarding order, sit firmly and hold on, and do not get on or off the bus until it stops completely.