Located in the central section of the Horqin Grasslands, in Tongyu County, Jilin Province, the Xianghai Nature Reserve, covering an area of 105,400 hectares, was created in 1981 and listed in the "International Important Wetland Book^in 1992.

With its smooth terrain, scattering lakes, grasslands, marshlands and reservoirs, the Reserve embraces three river systems of Huolinhe, Emutaihe and Tao'erhe Rivers. A vast area of reeds provides an ideal sanctuary for waterfowls to perch and breed. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, such as red —crowned crane, white — naped crane, white crane. demoiselle crane, common crane and white stork.

With its beautiful natural landscape, rich resources of birds and intact wetland ecosystem, the Reserve attracts many experts at home and abroad and some international organizations coming here to make investigation and develop scientific research activities. The WWF and IUCN have conducted here training courses of waterfowl investigation and wetland management successively; Chinese ornithologists and amateurs in ornithology come here to develop scientific research, watch varied species of waterfowls and enjoy the sight of wetland. The beautiful Xianghai has become an important area for protecting various biota and a base for scientific research and education.