Zhalong Nature Reserve

Zhalong Nature Reserve is a wetland reserve in Heilongjiang province in northeastern China, established to protect marshes and waterbird habitat, notably for cranes.

The reserve comprises extensive reed marshes, seasonal lakes and channels that provide breeding and staging areas for large numbers of migratory waterbirds, including the red-crowned crane.

It was established in 1979 and later received international recognition for its role in waterbird conservation.

Zhalong sits in the plains of Heilongjiang province, in the broader region served by the city of Qiqihar, and is approached from the surrounding agricultural and wetland landscape.

• Established protection: Established in 1979 to protect marshes and waterbirds, it was later recognised internationally for its importance to migratory species.
• Wildlife importance: One of the reserve's primary conservation values is support for breeding and staging of the red-crowned crane and other migratory waterbirds, making it a key site for birdwatching and research.

What to See #

• Main wetland areas: Large wetland and reed-marsh systems with seasonal lakes and channels that support waterbird breeding and staging.