(CNN) -- A tiny black spot approaches from the distance in the gray dawn sky, growing larger as it glides through the icy wind against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Drawn to the shrill blast of a whistle, the majestic bird of prey soars in for a perfect landing onto the arm of Mingzhe Zhao, the "falcon king" of Ying Tun. In China's Jilin province, the tiny rural community of Ying Tun -- known here as the "Falcon Village" -- the 55-year-old Zhao has, like many of his ancestors, dedicated his entire life to training the fierce feathered creatures. Jilin is one of China's most isolated provinces.
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In Jilin province, a small village keeps alive Manchu tradition of falcon training
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Area is growing popular among tourists
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Falcon trainers spend several days in isolation taming captured birds of prey
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Mingzhe Zhao, 55, is known as the "falcon king" of Ying Tun
Ying Tun
Ying Tun
Ying Tun
As @placeholder is a fairly small village, visitors are recommended to stay in the nearby city of Jilin, an hour away from Ying Tun by car.
Ying Tun
Ying Tun
Ying Tun
As Ying Tun is a fairly small village, visitors are recommended to stay in the nearby city of Jilin, an hour away from @placeholder by car.