Zhalong Nature Reserve Travel Guide
Zhalong Nature Reserve is a remote region of northeast China, Heilongjiang Province, known for its grasslands and migrating birds. Its relative ease of access via Qiqiha'er and Harbin make it worthwhile.
- What is It?
- Huge grass and marshlands on the migratory route between the Arctic and Southeast Asia.
- When to Go
- Migratory birds nest at the Zhalong Nature Reserve between April and October.
- Nearest Town
- Qiqiha'er, 25kms northwest of the reserve.
- Don't Miss
- trying to spot the 15 different kinds of crane.
- Trivia
- Zhalong Nature Reserve was established in 1979 and is known as the Land of Cranes.
This national wetland reserve encompasses 2,000-square-kilometers-plus of marshland and lies on a migration path that goes from the Russian Arctic, through the Gobi desert, and onto Southeast Asia. Many species of bird come here to nest between April and October, including swans, herons, storks, and 15 types of crane.
There are over 300 species of birds here in all, including the rare megalurus pryeri grass bird. The extensive ponds and reeds and remote location make it perfect for migratory birds.
Zhalong Nature Reserve is just 25kms from Qiqiha'er and there are decent facilities here for birdwatchers, including a birdwatching center.
Travel to Zhalong Nature Reserve - Getting There
The nearest airport is in Harbin, 250kms to the southeast of Zhalong Nature Reserve. Harbin Airport receives regular flights from Beijing (1 hour, 30 minutes) Guangzhou and Shanghai (2 hours). Trains run to Qiqiha'er from Harbin take 3 hours, 30 minutes and 16 hours from Beijing. Buses run along the main Hailar (Mongolia) to Vladivostok (Russia) route from Qiqiha'er to Zhalong Nature Reserve.
