Reins of the Golden Riding Crane

Reins of the Golden Riding Crane is a ground mount added in the Mists of Pandaria expansion (patch 5.0.1). It is a majestic crane with snow-white plumage and golden tack adorned in the Pandaria style. According to the in-game description, the crane is a symbol of wisdom and nobility.

The mount is purchased from the quartermaster of the Golden Lotus faction after reaching Exalted reputation. The golden crane is one of three riding cranes available from this vendor, and the most expensive of them.

• Elegant appearance — the white crane with golden tack and crimson ribbons looks graceful and noble, standing out among most ground mounts
• Symbol of Pandaria — cranes hold a special place in pandaren culture, and this mount reflects the spirit of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms
• Collector's value — one of three riding cranes from Mists of Pandaria, recognizable among veteran players
• Available to any class — to purchase it you only need to grind reputation, no extra professions or achievements required
• Contribution to your collection — counts toward achievements for total number of mounts

To reach the vendor, head to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms on the continent of Pandaria. If the zone appears ruined (the aftermath of N'Zoth's invasion), speak with Zidormi at the entrance to the Mogu'shan Palace (coordinates roughly 80.6 32.0). She will transport you to the pre-destruction version of the zone, where all Golden Lotus vendors are available.

Step 1: Unlock the Golden Lotus daily quests

To start building reputation, complete the introductory quest chain:

1. Make your way to the Temple of the White Tiger on Kun-Lai Summit
2. Complete the quest "The Temple of the White Tiger", then "The Trial of the Celestials" and "A Witness to History"
3. After that you will unlock access to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms and the Golden Lotus faction's daily quests

Step 2: Complete daily quests

Each day in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms several sets of Golden Lotus daily quests are available. In a single day you can earn roughly 1,000–2,000 reputation points depending on the quest set.

• Quests are given at several hubs: the Golden Pagoda, the Golden Stair, the Setting Sun Garrison and others
• As your reputation rises, additional hubs with new quests open up
• Don't skip the bonus quests — they grant increased reputation rewards

Step 3: Farm Relics of Guo-Lai

In addition to daily quests, you can speed up your reputation grind:

1. Head to the Guo-Lai Halls — a dungeon beneath the western part of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms
2. Kill the mogu mobs inside: they drop the Ancient Guo-Lai Cache Key
3. Use the keys to open the chests inside the halls
4. The chests drop Relic of Guo-Lai, each of which grants 250 reputation points when turned in

This method has no daily cap, so with active farming you can significantly speed up your progress.

Step 4: Buy the Commendation at Revered

When you reach Revered reputation, be sure to buy the Grand Commendation of the Golden Lotus from Jaluu the Generous. This item doubles reputation gains with the faction, which will significantly shorten the road to Exalted.

Step 5: Reach Exalted and buy the mount

When your reputation reaches Exalted:

1. Find Jaluu the Generous in your faction's Shrine in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms
2. Open his inventory and find the Reins of the Golden Riding Crane
3. Purchase the mount for 2,500 gold
4. Use the item — the mount will appear in your collection

• The Commendation is priority — buy it as soon as you reach Revered. Doubled reputation halves the second half of the journey
• Combine daily quests with key farming — after finishing your dailies, head to the Guo-Lai Halls for extra reputation
• Use Timewalking events — during the "Timewalking: Mists of Pandaria" event, the Sign of the Mists buff is active, increasing reputation gained with Pandaria factions by 50%
• Hunt rare mobs — some rare enemies in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms grant extra Golden Lotus reputation when killed
• Best time to farm keys — the Guo-Lai Halls are less crowded at night and on weekdays, which means more available chests and mobs
• Plan your time — with daily quests and farming Relics of Guo-Lai, the road to Exalted takes roughly 2–3 weeks. With active farming and using bonuses you can do it in 7–10 days