Located 80 kilometers northwest of Jiegu Town, the Longbaotan Nature Reserve is a long narrow basin hemmed in by mountains, with an area of 100 square kilometers. Yi Qu, a tributary of the Tongtian River, runs through the basin, forming five lakes with numerous springs. The crisscrossing lakes and marshes cut the area into sandbanks and small "islands." The advantageous natural condition makes it an ideal home for birds and aquatic animals and plants. The black-necked cranes are finder good protection and are held a holy bird bringing good luck and happiness. More than en species of birds, such as the black-necked cranes, bar-headed 3eese, and brown-headed gulls, come to breed every March and April.