Winter’s first snowfall transformed Heilongjiang’s Zhalong National Nature Reserve into a living snow globe this week , as tourists flocked to witness an iconic symbol of China’s natural heritage: the elegant red-crowned crane.
Over 900 of these endangered birds – known for their striking crimson crowns and poetic courtship dances – call this reserve home. It’s the world’s largest breeding ground for the species, offering a rare peek into their frost-kissed habitat.
\"Seeing them glide through the snowfall feels like stepping into a classical painting,\" shared one visitor, capturing the magic that’s made these cranes cultural treasures for centuries. Their symbolism of longevity and good fortune resonates deeply in Chinese art and folklore.
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Visitors admire red-crowned cranes amid snowfall in Heilongjiang
cgtn.com