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.
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.
Getting There & Away
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.