Winter Guide to Zhalong Wetland in Qiqihar

Zhalong Nature Reserve in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, is known as the "Hometown of Red-crowned Cranes" in China. It is also the world's largest reed wetland. In winter, Zhalong is a beautiful picture of sunshine, golden reeds, snow, and cranes spreading their wings, allowing you to enjoy the unique winter scenery of Zhalong. 1. Transportation There are many high-speed trains between Harbin and Qiqihar every day, and it takes only 1.5 hours to get there. You can take Bus 306 from Qiqihar Railway Station to Zhalong Nature Reserve, which takes about 1 hour. If you depart from Qiqihar South Railway Station, take Bus 104 and get off at the Darunfa Longsha Store stop, then walk 40 meters to the Darunfa stop and transfer to Bus 306 to Zhalong. Renting a car or chartering a car is also convenient. 2. Tickets Tickets and shuttle bus cost CNY 75, and there are discounts for online purchases. Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 years old (with valid ID) can enter for free, but the shuttle bus costs CNY 30. Children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters, primary, secondary, and university students, and seniors between 60 and 70 years old (with valid ID) can enjoy a half-price ticket discount, CNY 52.5. 3. Time Opening hours: 08:30–16:00 (ticket sales stop at 15:00). Flight time: There are three crane flight shows a day: 10:00, 12:30, and 15:00. The cranes will fly one or two laps in the sky, which is very short, usually only about 2 minutes. After landing, the cranes will play in the snow. It is recommended to arrive at the crane viewing platform in advance to get a good viewing position.