Changbai Mountain

Introducing Changbai Mountain
Changbai Mountain is a breathtaking landmark located southeast of Changchun. Changbai Mountain is also known as the Paektu Mountain in Korea. As a majestic mountain range on the border between China and North Korea, most of its peaks exceed 2,000 m (6,600 ft), with the tallest summit, Paektu Mountain, reaching 2,749 m (9,019 ft). This summit contains Heaven Lake (Tianchi), the world’s highest volcanic crater lake. Sitting at a surface elevation of 2,189 m (7,182 ft), the lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and mythical associations.

Changbai Mountain boasts a vibrant ecosystem and diverse flora and fauna, including rare Siberian tigers, Amur leopards, and black bears. As altitude increases, the dense forests transition through various vegetation zones, ranging from coniferous and broadleaf forests to alpine meadows. Therapeutic hot springs and waterfalls further enhance its appeal as a popular tourist destination. Beyond its natural beauty, Changbai Mountain holds spiritual significance, playing a prominent role in the folklore and legends of both Korean and Chinese cultures.

Changbai Mountain Fast Facts
• AKA: Paektu Mountain, Baekdu Mountain
• Chinese Name: Cháng Bái Shān 长白山
• Elevation: 2,749 meters (9,019 ft)
• Area: 196,465 hectares (758.56 square miles)
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 days
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 7:00 – 17:00 (Northern and Southern Slope), 7:00 – 15:30 (Western Slope), 8:00 – 17:00 (Heaven Lake)
• Entrance Fee: CNY225 (Northern Slope), CNY214 (Western Slope), CNY190 (Southern Slope), tickets for the western and northern slopes do not include the CNY80 shuttle to Heaven Lake
• Address: Approx. 408 kilometers (253.5 miles) southeast of Changchun, Jilin Province

What to Expect at the Changbai Mountain
Sweep your gaze across the breathtaking panorama of Changbai Mountain, one of China’s most stunning natural wonders. Three distinct scenic areas offer unique attractions, connecting you with the heart of nature.

The Northern Slope Scenic Area
• The Northern Slope, with its developed infrastructure and accessibility, is an excellent choice for families and those looking for a comfortable and convenient way to experience the wonders of Changbai Mountain.

Heaven Lake: The crown jewel of Changbai Mountain, Heaven Lake is a breathtaking crater lake nestled atop the volcanic caldera. Its crystal-clear waters, frequently wreathed in mist, create an ethereal atmosphere. From the Northern Slope Scenic Area, Heaven Lake unfolds dramatically below, yet the embracing peaks hold the gaze, offering a more focused perspective than the sweeping vistas of the western and southern slopes.

Changbai Waterfall: The Changbai Waterfall, fed by the overflow of Heaven Lake, is a dramatic spectacle as it cascades down a steep cliff. Flowing year-round, the easily accessible waterfall offers excellent photo opportunities.

Hot Springs: Nestled at the base of the mountain, a vast expanse of natural hot springs steams across 1,000 square meters. Hundreds of outlets bubble and hiss, releasing mineral-rich waters renowned for their therapeutic properties. Forty-seven of these springs boast temperatures exceeding 60°C, the hottest reaching a scalding 83°C. So intense is the heat that an egg plunged into its depths will cook in a mere 20 minutes.

Underground Forest: Also known as the “Valley of Silent Poets,” this unique natural wonder is a dense forest that has grown within a collapsed volcanic crater. A network of walkways and stairs allows visitors to descend into the crater and explore the lush vegetation and unique ecosystem that thrives in this sheltered environment. The contrast between the dense forest floor and the towering crater walls is truly remarkable.

The Western Slope Scenic Area
• The Western Slope of Changbai Mountain offers a more rugged and less crowded experience, favored by hikers and those seeking a closer connection with nature.

Heaven Lake: A rewarding climb of approximately 1,442 steps(a leisurely half-hour ascent for most) leads to breathtaking panoramic views of Heaven Lake. The western slope is generally preferred for its broader, more expansive vista compared to the northern slope. A bonus for visitors is the boundary marker between China and North Korea, offering a unique and memorable photo opportunity.

Alpine Meadows: Situated at an elevation of around 1,400 meters (4,593 ft), the Alpine Meadows transform into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, particularly during late spring and early summer. A profusion of blooms, including irises, lilies, daylilies, globeflowers, meadow rues, and false hellebores, creates a breathtaking spectacle of color against the backdrop of the mountain.

Mandarin Duck Lakes: These two interconnected, crystal-clear lakes are a product of volcanic activity. Their name is derived from both the significant number of mandarin ducks that congregate in the area and the resemblance of the two lakes to a pair of these beautifully patterned birds.

Jinjiang Waterfall: Jinjiang Waterfall is a breathtaking spectacle of raw power. Water plunges 50 meters (65.6 ft) in a thunderous freefall before crashing into the rocks below, then cascading another 20 meters (164 ft) in a churning torrent of whitewater. The entire cascade stretches an impressive 70 meters (230 ft) across the cliff face, dwarfing even the famed Changbai Waterfall.

Jinjiang Grand Canyon (Changbai Mountain Grand Canyon): Located approximately 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) from Heaven Lake, this impressive canyon stretches for 70 kilometers (43.5 miles). Carved over millennia by geological faulting and the relentless force of water erosion, the canyon reaches depths of up to 100 meters (328 ft) and widths varying between 200 and 300 meters (656 ft – 984 ft). It’s a dramatic testament to the power of nature, with dense forests and moss-draped trees adding an aura of pristine beauty and ancient mystery.

The Southern Slope Scenic Area
• The Southern Slope, the newest of Changbai Mountain’s three scenic areas, offers a unique perspective on the mountain, renowned for its pristine forests and breathtaking views.

Heaven Lake: The southern slope is the most accessible route to Heaven Lake, offering stunning panoramic views, calm winds, and gentle terrain. From here, the lake’s pristine beauty is truly magnificent.

Yuehua Double Waterfall: The Yuehua Double Waterfall, a delicate cascade in two stages, tumbles 40 meters (131.2 ft) through a tranquil birch forest. The upper fall descends 15 meters (49.2 ft), while the lower plunges 25 meters (82 ft). The surrounding birch trees, from which the waterfall takes its name, enhance the serene and almost sacred beauty of the scene.

Yalu River Grand Canyon: Carved by volcanic fissures and sculpted over centuries by wind and water, the Yalu River Grand Canyon stretches 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) north to south, yawning 200 meters (656 ft) across and plunging to a depth of 170 meters (557 ft).

Carbonized Wood Remains: On the slopes of the volcano brooding over Heaven Lake lie the ghosts of a forest, consumed by fire over a millennium ago. Not petrified, but carbonized, these remnants of once-towering trees offer a stark testament to the volcano’s fury. The largest of these blackened sentinels measure up to 80 centimeters in diameter at breast height, though most average between 30 and 40 centimeters. Shattered and fragmented by the violence of the eruption, their original majestic heights are lost to time. The intense heat transformed a vibrant mix of conifers – Korean pine, Dahurian larch, spruce, and the endemic Changbai larch into these somber charcoal forms. They stand as silent witnesses to a past cataclysm and nature’s destructive power.

How to Get to Changbai Mountain
• The Changbai Mountain is located approx. 408 kilometers (253.5 miles) southeast of Changchun.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Changbai Mountain.