Dandinghe (in Chinese), Red-crowned Crane (Grus Japonensis),  also called the Japanese and Manchurian crane, belongs to the order Gruiformes, China's first class protection rare birds,  is a stately long-legged, long-necked bird whose immaculate snow-white plumage is accented by black secondary feathers, a black neck with contrasting white nape, and a red crown. Its about 1.5m in height, and 7-10kg in weight, 2.5m wing span, longivity as 70 years in captivity. About 2000 red-crowned cranes over the world, and about 1000 cranes in China. Other in Korea and Japan.

The red-crowned crane dwells along reedy marshlands, feeds on fish, worms, insects, small rodents, frogs and grains. Breeding in the marshlands in Spring the middle and lower reaches of Nenjiang River, the best protection reserve in China for Red-crowned crane -- Zhalong Natural Reserve locates, and in the winter it lives in the marshlands and lakeside and wetland of the lower reaches of Yangtze River, China, such as Dongting lake, Poyang Lake, Yancheng and Chongming Island for overwinter.

Once a firm pair bond has been established, Red-crowned Cranes usually remain mated for life, although they will replace a mate that has died. 

Cranes are spring breeders, usually nesting in April or May. Male and female red-crowned cranes mature sexually at 3 to 4 years of age, Shortly before laying commences, both sexes participate in constructing a large ground nest of reeds and grasses in a marshy area, sometimes completely surrounded by water. Egg-laying occurs in the early morning hours and two large light brown eggs are laid two to four days apart. The clutch is incubation for 29-33 days by both birds.  The newly hatched chicks are covered in light brown down and are able to follow their parents almost immediately. Zhalong Natural Reserve in Helongjiang and Xianghai Nature Reserve in Jilin is two best breeding palces.

Red-crowned cranes are famous for their spectacular and elaborate courtship dances. During these graceful performance and dance (usually performed in pairs), birds circle each other while leaping and calling, head-bobbing to one another and bowing with spread wings. Grasses, sticks or feathers are frequently tossed in the air. These dances can be observed throughout the year as the birds continually reinforce their pair bonds.

Crane is an important symbol to the people of China, Japan and other Asian countries. It typically represents long life, peace, happiness and fidelity. Out of the world total of only 15 species, china have no fewer than 8 species crane, Chinese are fond of crane, these birds have been subjects of Chinese music, poetry and dance, and such crafts as printing, painting, embroidery, wooden sculpture.

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