Located in southeastern Jilin Province on the China-North Korea border, Changbai Mountain is renowned as "the first peak reaching up to the mortal world with thousand-year snow and ten-thousand-year pines". As a 5A-rated national tourist attraction and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it's famous for its magnificent Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), pristine forests, and abundant hot springs.
Nature and Ecology
Geological Wonders
- Volcanic Landscape: Unique terrain formed by dormant volcano with main peak Baiyun Peak at 2,691m.
- Tianchi: World's highest volcanic crater lake (max depth 373m), often shrouded in clouds.
- Vertical Zones: Complete vegetation spectrum from temperate to frigid zones from base to summit.
Ecosystem
- Biodiversity: Preserves Eurasia's most intact forest ecosystem.
- Rare Species: Habitat for Siberian tigers, Chinese mergansers and other protected animals.
- Three-River Source: Origin of Songhua, Tumen, and Yalu Rivers.
Main Attractions
North Slope
- Tianchi: Must-see attraction (visibility depends on weather).
- Changbai Waterfall: 68m cascade, Tianchi's only outlet.
- Hot Springs: 83°C mineral springs can boil eggs.
- Underground Forest: Primeval forest formed by volcanic eruption.
West Slope
- Alpine Garden: Summer meadows blooming with wildflowers.
- Ladder River: Narrow canyon up to 30m deep.
- Jinjiang Grand Canyon: Colorful canyon formed by lava.
Featured Experiences
Seasonal Activities
- Spring: Mountain flowers and snow-breaking ice blossoms.
- Summer: Ideal summer retreat (avg. 22°C).
- Autumn: Golden season for photography with colorful foliage.
- Winter: Ski paradise with 7-month snow season.
Special Experiences
- Hot Spring Bathing: Mineral-rich volcanic springs.
- Trekking: Primitive forest exploration routes.
- Ethnic Culture: Korean minority performances and cuisine.
Practical Information
Tickets & Transport
- Ticket Prices:
- North Slope: ¥125 (includes ¥85 eco-bus)
- West Slope: ¥125 (includes ¥85 eco-bus)
- Opening Hours:
- Peak season (May-Oct) 7:00-16:30
- Off season (Nov-Apr) 8:30-16:00
- Transportation:
- Flight: Changbaishan Airport (West Slope), Yanji Airport (North Slope)
- High-speed rail: Transfer at Dunhua/Antu stations
- Self-drive: ~5hrs from Changchun
Travel Tips
- Best Time: June-Sep for Tianchi, Nov-Mar for skiing
- Gear: Windproof jacket (summit 10-15°C colder than base)
- Altitude: Avoid strenuous activity at high elevations
- Environment: No smoking or littering in protected area