Dahaizi Wetland in Zhaoyang District, Zhaotong

Why is Dahaizi Wetland So Special?

Dashanbao Nature Reserve includes two major scenic spots: Dahaizi Wetland and Jigong Mountain. Every year, large numbers of black-necked cranes migrate to Dahaizi Wetland from Tibet Plateau in the end of October, and leave in April the next year. Covering an area of 350 hectares, with an area of 80 hectares and an average depth of 2 meters, it is the largest winter habitat of black-necked cranes in the area of Dashanbao Reserve. The open terrain surrounded by hillsides, is an ideal place for black-necked cranes. There are a large number of small fish, shrimps and aquatic creatures in the wetland, surrounded by vast grassland and agricultural land, with many insects, grass roots and residual crops inside, providing sufficient food for the black-necked crane, which is regarded as a paradise for migratory birds to spend winter. Thus it becomes a unique destination for sightseeing, photography, scientific study and adventure.

Where is Dahaizi Wetland – Location

Dahaizi Wetland is located in the north of Dashanbao Reserve. Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve is situated in Dashanbao Township in Zhaoyang District of Zhaotong Municipality, geographical east longitude 103 ° 14 ’55” ~ 103 ° 23′ 49″, north latitude 27 ° 18 ’38” ~ 27 ° 29 ’15”.

How to Get there

Trains, buses and planes are optional ways from Kunming to Zhaotong. There are several trains from Kunming to Zhaotong. At least, the train journey is about 9 hours. Via expressway, Zhaotong City is about 350 km away from Kunming. The flight time is about 1 hour. Dashanbao is about 80 km away from the seat of Zhaotong. There are regular buses. Howerver, self-driving is more convenient.

The best way for tourists to get to Dashanbao is car-rental. Many of the attractions in the scenic spot are 2- 5 kilometers away from where you are staying.

Best Time to Go

The best traveling time is autumn and winter. From the beginning of August to the beginning of October, the flowers, oat and grass on the mountain are all in pieces, stacked on top of each other, with various colors. In the winter, large numbers of black-necked cranes migrate to Dahaizi Wetland from Tibet Plateau in the end of October, and leave in April the next year when the black-necked cranes “dance” on the wetland, leaving deep impressions on tourists’ minds.

Accommodate at Dahaizi Wetland

If you want to see the sea of clouds and sunrise, it is recommended to stay at Dashanbao Town while if you just want to watch the sunset, stay at the Zhaotong city where the accommodation condition is better. 

Useful Travel Tips

► If you want to see the black-necked crane, it is better to come from the end of September to the end of January.

There are strong ultraviolet rays at Alpine meadow, so protect yourself from the sun.

Attractions Nearby

Huanglianhe Scenic Area:
Located in Daguan County, it has a grand waterfall group hidden in the depths of the mountain valleys. Water curtains, caves and many other spectacles make this scenic area an attractive spot in Zhaotong.

Islamic Style Park: 
It is only 5 kilometers away from Ludian county seat. It is a national tourist attraction integrating the ethnic culture, wedding culture, food culture, clothing culture of Hui ethnic people and the most distinctive ethnic tourism in southwest China.

Wanghailou Tower: 
Wanghai Tower is located in the southern suburbs of Zhaotong city at the foot of Fenghuangshan mountain, built in the Qing dynasty(Qianlong 25 years). It was designated as a city-level cultural relic protection unit in 1983.

Tours including Dahaizi Wetland

6 Days Northeast Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dianchi Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao
8 Days Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dongchuan Red Land, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve
9 Days Yunnan-Guizhou Winter Birding Tour with Dianchi Lake, Caohai Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve