Yancheng Red-crowned Crane Wetland｜Step into a fairy tale wonderland and enjoy a healing journey dancing with the cranes!

As a mom who loves taking kids out, I can responsibly tell you—Yancheng Red-crowned Crane Wetland Ecotourism Area is definitely a hidden gem for family trips! This place is not only a national nature reserve but also the setting of the deeply moving song "A True Story" (also known as "The Story of the Red-crowned Crane").

The touching story behind it💫

"Cross that little river, have you ever heard of a girl who once came here..."

This moving song tells the true story of Xu Xiujuan. In 1987, at 23 years old, she tragically died in a marsh while searching for scattered red-crowned cranes. It was her and her family’s dedication that made this wetland the eternal home for the red-crowned cranes.

Complete practical information📝

Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Ticket price: 35 RMB/person (free for children under 1.4 meters)
Transportation:

· Drive and navigate to "Jiangsu Yancheng National Rare Birds Nature Reserve"
· Private car day tour (great for families with kids; we visited 3 spots in one day)
· Public transport: There is a tourist shuttle from Yancheng city, but the frequency is low

Best time to visit⏰

Be sure to arrive early! Be sure to arrive early! Be sure to arrive early!

We arrived before 8:30 AM, and it proved to be the wisest choice—

· Fewer people, more beautiful scenery, excellent experience
· Catch the best viewing and photo opportunities
· Cooler weather, kids full of energy

Three tour routes revealed🚐

The scenic area’s electric carts offer three options:

① Large loop route (full ride)

· Advantage: After watching the crane release, continue touring the entire wetland by cart
· Suitable for: Visitors with ample time who want an in-depth experience

② Small loop route (best value)

· Only goes to the release point; after the show, walk back
· Walking takes only 15 minutes, easy with kids
· This is what we chose—perfect balance of experience and energy

③ Hidden route (locals only)

· Walk 15 minutes against the route directly to the release base
· Suitable for: Returning visitors or those familiar with the area
· Advantage: Flexible, saves money and time

Must-see core experience🌟

Red-crowned Crane Release Ceremony

· Time: Daily at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM (extra session on holidays)
· Location: Red-crowned Crane Breeding Base
· Photography tip: Open your wide-angle lens in advance, or you won’t fit the spectacular scene of cranes flying together in one frame!

Unexpected surprises

We not only saw the magnificent release of adult red-crowned cranes but were also lucky to witness:

· Precious footage of young cranes practicing flying
· A playful crane flying alone to circle in front of us, then elegantly strolling nearby
· Our 10-month-old baby excitedly spreading arms to imitate the crane—such a heartwarming scene!

Cool facts📚

The truth about the "Yellow Crane":
The "yellow crane" in ancient poetry, described as "once gone, never returns," is actually a young red-crowned crane! Juvenile cranes have yellowish-brown feathers and only gradually develop the black-and-white adult plumage after 2-3 years.

Interactive session preparation🎁

After the release, there’s a quiz with prizes, including red-crowned crane postcards! Prepare your kids in advance with:

· Crane-related idioms: "Crane standing among chickens," "Idle clouds and wild cranes," "Longevity like pine and crane"...
· Wetland functions: purifying water, protecting biodiversity...
· Red-crowned crane habits: migratory bird, omnivorous, lifespan up to 50-60 years...

Family-friendly tips👶

· Choose the small loop route to save energy and time
· Bring sun protection; UV rays are strong in the wetland
· Pack snacks and water; dining options inside are limited
· Take mosquito repellent measures
· Travel light, but don’t forget your camera

Personal real experience

As a family visiting three spots in one day, we found the small loop route perfect. Sitting on the electric cart enjoying the wetland scenery, climbing the observation deck to gaze far—on a cloudy day, layers of clouds pressed over the lake, breathtakingly beautiful.