Changbai Mountain, known as Mt. Paektu in Korean, is located in the northeast of China and forms the border between China and North Korea. As a majestic and awe-inspiring natural landscape, Changbai Mountain also holds significant cultural importance.
In North Korea, Mount Paektu is considered the birthplace of the nation, the holy ground of revolution, and more importantly, the birthplace of General Kim Jong Il. In China, various northern ethnic groups also regard it as their ancestral homeland. This guide will cover all the essential information about the north slope of Changbai Mountain.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW TO GET TO ChANGBAI MOUNTAIN NORTH SLOPE?
Changbai Mountain’s Chinese side is divided into three main scenic areas: the North Slope, South Slope, and West Slope. The North Slope is the most developed, with better infrastructure, more attractions, and is the best choice for those wanting to experience the natural beauty of Changbai Mountain.
To reach the North Slope of Changbai Mountain, you can take a high-speed train or a flight. There are direct trains from Beijing to Changbai Mountain Station and direct flights to Changbai Mountain Airport every day, making transportation relatively convenient. However, most visitors choose to first travel to Yanji first. After exploring Yanji city, visitors usually hire a private driver for the roughly two-hour drive to Changbai Mountain.
WHAT TO SEE AT CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN NORTH SLOPE?
Overall, there are six main attractions on the North Slope of Changbai Mountain: Tianchi Lake (Lake Chon), Julong Waterfall, the Changbai Mountain Hot Springs, Little Tianchi Lake (Little Lake Chon), Green Abyss Pond, and the Underground Forest. Each of these spots has its own unique features, showcasing the stunning geological landscapes created by volcanic activity in the region.
WHAT IS THE TOURING SEQUENCE FOR THE NORTH SLOPE?
To begin your journey on the North Slope of Changbai Mountain, you first need to reach the North Visitor Centre in Erdaobaihe Town.
The centre offers all kinds of facilities, including food shops and stalls renting cold-weather clothing. If you haven’t brought enough clothes, be sure to rent items like down jackets and thermal pants here. Each garment requires a deposit of 100 CNY. After paying the deposit, you can rent a down jacket for 30 CNY, thermal pants for 80 CNY, fur-lined boots for 30 CNY, and fur hat for 50 CNY.
After purchasing your tickets, you’ll board an eco-friendly shuttle bus. The ride takes around 45 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off at a transfer centre where you can choose your next destination.
TIANCHI LAKE (LAKE CHON)
Tianchi Lake (Lake Chon) is the highest volcanic lake in the world and also serves as the border lake between China and North Korea, with each country controlling a portion of the water. Around 1200 AD, the Tianchi Volcano erupted on a massive scale, ejecting a large amount of lava that formed a basin at the crater. Over time, water accumulated, eventually forming Tianchi Lake.
Tianchi Lake is open to visitors only when weather conditions permit. From the transfer centre, it takes about 20 minutes by off-road vehicle to reach the lake, along a winding mountain road with breathtaking views. Once you arrive, there are two hiking routes around the lake to choose from, both offering similar sceneries.
In winter, the ice layer of Tianchi Lake is typically 1.2 metres thick, and the freezing period lasts for 6 to 7 months, making summer the best season to visit. The climate of Changbai Mountain is highly unpredictable, often shrouded in mist, which causes the lake to appear hazy and elusive. Only on days with clear weather can you catch a full view of Tianchi Lake.
THE JULONG WATERFALL
After leaving Tianchi Lake, it’s a 15-minute walk downhill to reach Julong Waterfall. The waterfall is formed by the overflow of water from Tianchi Lake, which flows into the Chacheng River, creating a cascade with a drop of about 68 metres.
What makes this waterfall particularly unique is that the water flows continuously throughout the year. Even though Tianchi Lake freezes in winter, the water still flows beneath the ice, and the steep gradient of the Chacheng River prevents the water from freezing. This is quite rare at an altitude of 2,100 metres in such a high-latitude region.
THE CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS
Just a 10-minute walk from the breathtaking Julong Waterfall, you’ll find the enchanting Changbai Mountain Hot Springs. In the heart of winter, these natural hot springs offer a surreal experience. Imagine vast expanses of steaming water, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes and icy air. The contrast between the freezing temperatures and the warm, soothing waters combined with the rime on the tree branches creates a magical atmosphere.
Here, you can taste some specialties, such as the unique hot spring eggs, hot spring corn, and ginseng milk. The hot spring eggs cost 10 CNY for 3, the corn is 10 CNY for 1, and ginseng milk is 25 CNY per cup.
There are also stalls selling items like grilled sausages for 10 CNY each, as well as roasted sweet potatoes and instant noodles, priced similarly to what you would find in local markets. As a Chinese tourist destination, the prices are quite reasonable.
LITTLE TIANCHI LAKE & GREEN ABYSS POND
It takes about five minutes by eco-friendly shuttle bus from the Hot Springs to reach Little Tianchi Lake. Little Tianchi Lake is a small pond formed by underground water after the volcanic eruption of Changbai Mountain, resembling Tianchi Lake in shape.
Afterwards, a 5-minute walk will bring you to Green Abyss Pond. Along the way, in winter, you can see small waterfalls frozen into colourful ice. The Green Abyss Pond is formed by three waterfalls, each about 26 metres high, cascading into the pond, which has emerald green water that is so deep it seems bottomless.
THE UNDERGROUND FOREST
It takes about 7 minutes by eco-friendly shuttle bus from Green Abyss Pond to reach The Underground Forest. This is the lowest-altitude scenic area on Changbai Mountain, located in a forested sunken valley. During the eruption of the main volcanic cone, a parasitic volcanic crater formed, and through later fractures and subsidence, this unique forest landscape emerged. The area features well-constructed wooden pathways and offers gorgeous views, especially in autumn.
After visiting The Underground Forest, your tour of the Changbai Mountain North Slope will be complete. After a roughly 50-minute drive, you will return to the Changbai Mountain North Scenic Area Visitor Centre, marking the end of your exploration of the North Slope.
CONCLUSION
The northern slope of Changbai Mountain is a treasure trove of natural wonders, showcasing the region’s most iconic landscapes. It is an unparalleled destination for experiencing the breathtaking beauty shaped by its unique volcanic geology. From the majestic Julong Waterfall to the rejuvenating Changbai Mountain Hot Springs, every corner of this area tells a story of nature’s artistry.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Changbai Mountain’s northern slope promises an unforgettable adventure. It is a must-visit for anyone exploring China’s natural wonders.
YPT’s Rason Tour Groups all depart from Yanji city, and we can arrange Changbai Mountain Day trip for you. We can also take you to other fascinating landscapes of China, too. You can find them on our Chinese tour page.
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