Zhalong is a vast reed marsh on the lower Wuyuer River near Qiqihar in western Heilongjiang, one of the most important breeding grounds of the red-crowned crane in the world. Founded as a nature reserve in 1979, it became a national nature reserve in 1987 and was among the first Chinese wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention in 1992.
- Ramsar site · 1992
- National nature reserve · 1987
Key facts
Overview
Zhalong is a flat world of reeds, open pools and meandering channels on the Songnen Plain, where the Wuyuer River loses itself in the marsh instead of reaching a larger river. The reserve covers some 210,000 hectares and is one of the largest reed wetlands in Asia.
Its fame rests on cranes. Six of the world's fifteen crane species have been recorded here, and red-crowned cranes breed in the reeds from spring to autumn. A breeding and research centre near the entrance keeps a flock of cranes that are released for daily flights over the marsh, the most familiar image of Zhalong.
How the landscape formed
The Wuyuer River rises in the Lesser Khingan foothills and flows west onto the Songnen Plain, where the land is so flat and poorly drained that it spreads out into marshes and shallow lakes rather than joining the Nen River. The result is an inland delta of reeds and pools, fed by the river and by rain, with water levels that vary greatly between wet and dry years. Since the 2000s water has been diverted to the marsh in dry years to prevent fires and shrinking.
Highlights
Red-crowned crane
丹顶鹤
The symbol of the reserve, nesting deep in the reeds from April and dancing in pairs in spring.
Crane breeding centre
鹤类繁育中心
Where captive-bred cranes are raised and released for flights over the marsh.
Crane-viewing tower
望鹤楼
A lookout over the reed beds and pools.
Xu Xiujuan Memorial
徐秀娟纪念馆
Remembers the young crane keeper who drowned in 1987 while searching for lost cranes; her story inspired a well-known song.
Plants and wildlife
Zhalong lies on the East Asian–Australasian flyway and hosts hundreds of thousands of birds on migration. Besides cranes, it supports storks, herons, swans, geese and many ducks. Drought, fire and water diversions for farming are the main threats, and the water supply has been secured by transfers from the Nen River.
Plants
Common reed
芦苇
Covers most of the marsh and provides nesting cover for cranes.
Sedges
苔草
Carex meadows on the drier margins.
Wildlife
Red-crowned crane
丹顶鹤
Grus japonensis, an endangered species with a key breeding population here.
White-naped crane
白枕鹤
Another vulnerable crane that breeds in the marsh.
Siberian crane
白鹤
A critically endangered crane that rests here on migration.
Oriental stork
东方白鹳
An endangered stork recorded in the wetland.
Culture and legend
In Chinese art the red-crowned crane stands for longevity and immortality; it rides with Daoist immortals and appears on Qing civil officials' rank badges. Zhalong turned this emblem into a living symbol of conservation. The story of Xu Xiujuan, a crane keeper who died in 1987 at the age of 23, became the song “A True Story” (一个真实的故事), which made the reserve famous across China.
“A True Story”
一个真实的故事
The popular song about Xu Xiujuan and the cranes.
History
1979
Nature reserve established
Zhalong becomes one of the first wetland reserves in China.
1987
National nature reserve; death of Xu Xiujuan
The reserve is raised to national level; the loss of a young keeper becomes a national story.
1992
Ramsar site
Listed among China's first wetlands of international importance.
2000s
Water transfers to the marsh
Diversions from the Nen River counter drought and wildfires.
Through the seasons
Spring
Cranes return in March and April; courtship dances in the thawing marsh.
Summer
Green reeds and chicks; hot days and heavy mosquitoes.
Autumn
Golden reeds and flocks gathering for migration in September and October.
Winter
Frozen marsh; the wild cranes have left, but captive cranes can be seen on the snow.
Routes and ways in
Visitor area
Paths, boardwalks and a viewing tower near the breeding centre, where released cranes fly over the reeds.
Boat trips
Boats run through channels in the reed beds in summer.
Practical notes
- Zhalong lies about 30 km south-east of Qiqihar, which has an airport and high-speed rail.
- Most of the reserve is closed to visitors to protect breeding birds; only the visitor area is open.
- Bring strong insect repellent in summer.
Cities to start from
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- Ramsar Sites Information Service — Ramsar Convention Secretariat (retrieved 27 September 2026)
- Qiqihar Municipal People's Government — Qiqihar Municipal People's Government (retrieved 27 September 2026)
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration — National Forestry and Grassland Administration (retrieved 27 September 2026)
More mountains and nature in Heilongjiang
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