3.5 Live Report from Changbai Mountain, laughed at the clothes I brought myself
Changbai Mountain is located in southeastern Jilin, serving as the border mountain between China and North Korea, and is the highest peak in Northeast China. It is renowned as "Thousand-year Snow, Ten-thousand-year Pines, the First Peak Reaching the Human World." This place offers scenic beauty in all four seasons: skiing and hot springs in winter, summer retreats to see the Heavenly Lake, and colorful forests in autumn. It is one of the most worthwhile natural attractions in Northeast China❄️
📍Must-visit Attractions
1. Heavenly Lake: The core attraction of Changbai Mountain, at an altitude of 2,189 meters. It is the largest volcanic crater lake in China and the highest volcanic lake in the world. The North Slope (ticket 105 RMB + eco-bus 85 RMB + shuttle bus 80 RMB) offers the most classic view. You can take an off-road vehicle to the summit. The lake is sapphire blue in summer and frozen like a blue gem in winter🌊
2. Changbai Waterfall: A 68-meter-high waterfall formed at the northern gap of Heavenly Lake, with the largest drop in northern China. In winter, the waterfall freezes into an icefall spectacle; in summer, the water flows rapidly with mist spreading around. You can walk to the foot of the waterfall (about 20 minutes)💦
3. Julong Spring: The largest hot spring group in Changbai Mountain, with water temperature at 82°C and over 300 spring outlets. In winter, the hot spring steam rises, contrasting sharply with the surrounding ice and snow. You can try boiling eggs in the hot spring (10 RMB for 3 eggs, with firm yolks and tender whites)♨️
4. Green Abyss Pool: Named for its emerald green water, a waterfall falls from 20 meters into a deep pool. There is a wooden boardwalk by the pool, perfect for summer cooling. In autumn, the colorful forest reflects in the pool like a vivid oil painting🍂
5. Underground Forest: A 3-kilometer-long volcanic crater primeval forest at 1,000 meters altitude, with very high negative oxygen ion content. Following the boardwalk deep into the valley, you can see fallen ancient trees, streams, and wild animals. It is suitable for hiking (about 1.5 hours)🌳
6. Magic Realm Rafting: Located near the North Slope, the water temperature is above 0°C in winter, contrasting with the surrounding -20°C air, creating a frost-rime landscape. Take a raft ride (90 RMB/person), with frost-covered branches on both banks, as if entering a fairyland❄️
7. South Slope Heavenly Lake: The latest developed and least crowded area, offering the widest view (ticket 105 RMB + eco-bus 85 RMB). You can see the full view of Heavenly Lake up close, but it is only open 3-4 months a year (usually June to October) and requires advance reservation🌄
8. Jinjiang Grand Canyon: The deepest volcanic lava canyon in China, 70 kilometers long and 80-100 meters deep. The volcanic rocks on both sides form various strange shapes, such as "Camel Peak" and "Twin Bears Climbing," ideal for photography enthusiasts📸
🍜Food Recommendations
1. Iron Pot Stew: Mainly stewed chicken, fish, and ribs in a large iron pot over firewood, with corn, potatoes, vermicelli, and other side ingredients. Recommended "Old Guandong Iron Pot Stew," about 60 RMB per person. Corn pancakes are stuck to the pot edge and dipped in the broth for extra flavor🍲
2. Cold Noodles: Buckwheat noodles served with beef broth, egg, apple slices, and spicy kimchi, refreshing and appetizing in summer. Recommended "Service Building Cold Noodles," small portion 15 RMB, free soup refills🍜
3. Hot Spring Eggs: Eggs boiled in Julong Spring hot springs, with firm yolks and tender whites, 10 RMB for 3 eggs, a must-try!♨️
4. Korean Rice Sausage: Pork intestines stuffed with glutinous rice, pig’s blood, and vegetables, steamed and sliced, eaten with soy sauce or spicy sauce. Recommended "Rice Sausage Soup Rice," small portion 20 RMB, warming in winter🐷
5. Rice Cake: Glutinous rice steamed and pounded into cake, coated with soybean powder or red bean paste, soft and chewy. Sold at small stalls in the scenic area for 5 RMB per serving, can be a snack🍡
🚗Transportation
1. Airplane: Direct flights to Changbai Mountain Airport (40 minutes by car from the North Slope) or to Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport (2.5 hours by car from the North Slope)
2. High-speed Rail: Changbai Mountain Station (near the North Slope) has bullet trains directly to Shenyang and Changchun. Take bus No.1 in the city to the North Slope Visitor Center
3. Scenic Area Transport: On the North Slope, you need to take the eco-bus (85 RMB) to various attractions; the shuttle bus to Heavenly Lake costs an additional 80 RMB. On the South Slope, take the eco-bus (85 RMB) directly to Heavenly Lake
🏨Accommodation
1. Near the North Slope: Erdaobaihe Town, standard rooms 200-500 RMB, recommended "Changbai Mountain Hotel" or "Zai Zhi He Resort Hotel," the latter has a popular hanging river swimming pool🛏️
2. Near the West Slope: Songjianghe Town, prices lower than the North Slope, standard rooms 150-300 RMB, but farther from Heavenly Lake (about 1 hour by car)🏔️
3. Wanda Resort Area: The top choice for winter skiing, with 43 ski trails and 9 hotels, standard rooms 800-2000 RMB, including ski passes and hot springs⛷️
💡Tips
1. Book tickets 3 days in advance on the "Changbai Mountain" official WeChat account (North Slope/South Slope/West Slope require separate bookings), enter the park with your ID card🎫
2. Heavenly Lake is at high altitude with strong winds and low temperatures. Bring a windbreaker in summer and wear down jackets plus snow boots in winter (it often snows at the summit)❄️
3. For Magic Realm Rafting, arrive before 7 AM for the thickest frost and fewer people for better photos; wear waterproof pants in winter (provided by the scenic area)🚣
4. Julong Spring water is very hot; do not touch directly. Use the nets provided by the park to boil eggs🥚
5. In winter, vehicles must have snow chains or choose a chartered car (including driver and snow chains, about 600 RMB/day)🚗