Changbai Mountain Winter Wonderland: Unlock the Ice and Snow Magic in 5 Days

Early morning at Tianchi Lake, the surface is covered with a thin layer of ice, reflecting sapphire-like light under the rising sun, as if a sleeping volcano has just opened its winter eyes. Known as the "Sacred Mountain" of Northeast China, the winter beauty of Changbai Mountain is breathtaking enough to make you forget to breathe. The 2025 "Winter of Changbai Mountain" Ice and Snow Tourism Season officially started on November 22 and will last until March 2026. This icy wonderland is waiting for your exploration. Why choose a winter self-guided trip to Changbai Mountain? Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery: Compared to the crowded summer, winter at Changbai Mountain is more tranquil and sacred, with pure and flawless snow scenes. Diverse experiences: Skiing, hot springs, folk customs, and ice and snow festivals all in one. Cost-effective: Winter is the off-season, with cheaper tickets and accommodations, making your trip more comfortable. Preparation before the trip Clothing: Windproof jacket, waterproof snow boots, fleece pants, thermal underwear, scarf and gloves, knit hat. Supplies: Sunscreen (strong reflection on snow), moisturizing skincare products, thermos, camera, power bank, sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness). Medicines: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, heat packs. Itinerary overview Day 1: North Slope First Experience · Ice and Snow Fairy Tale Begins Morning: Arrive at Changbai Mountain and head to Erdaobaihe Town for check-in. It is recommended to stay at Changbai Mountain Haolike Hotel, which has a superior location, only 8 minutes by car from the North Slope Visitor Center. The hotel is right in front of National Highway 331, very convenient for self-driving. Afternoon: Visit the Beauty Pine Aerial Corridor Bridge, stroll on the glass plank road, and overlook the snow-covered beauty pine forest. The pines here look even more upright in the snow, making it an excellent spot for snow photography. Evening: Explore the Korean ethnic market, shop for handicrafts, and taste local specialties. Recommended is the "Jindalai Cold Noodle Shop" in the town center, where stone pot bibimbap with spicy kimchi and stir-fried pork belly costs about 40 yuan per person. Self-driving route: From Changbai Mountain Airport, take the Heda Expressway to National Highway 331, directly to Erdaobaihe Town, about 1.5 hours in total. Accommodation recommendation: Changbai Mountain Haolike Hotel, rooms equipped with floor heating and humidifiers. During the heating season in November, the indoor temperature is maintained at 22-24°C, with direct views of birch forests and snow scenes outside the window. Day 2: North Slope In-depth Tour · Ice and Snow Wonders of Tianchi and Waterfalls Morning: Drive to Changbai Mountain North Slope Tianchi Lake. In winter, Tianchi looks like a sapphire embedded in the volcanic crater, surrounded by snow, with magnificent scenery. Tip: The golden time for photographing Tianchi is on sunny days from 9 to 11 am, when the light is clearest. Noon: Have a simple meal inside the scenic area. Be sure to try the hot spring eggs, with super tender runny yolks, served with corn, only 10 yuan for a filling meal. Afternoon: Visit Changbai Waterfall, hike 10 minutes to see the majestic water flow; then head to Green Pool (Lvyuan Pond) to check in at the "Zhang Qiling" stone tablet. The pond water does not freeze completely in winter, reflecting the snowy forest like a fairy tale. Evening: Taste iron pot stewed goose, recommended is "Old Song’s Iron Pot Stew" near the town. It is advised to book in advance to avoid waiting. Self-driving route: From Erdaobaihe Town, take the mountain ring road to the North Slope gate, about 30 minutes in total. Visiting time: Tianchi (2 hours), Changbai Waterfall (1 hour), Green Pool (1.5 hours). Day 3: West Slope Adventure · Hiking and Canyon Challenge Morning: Head to Changbai Mountain West Slope, hike 1,442 steps to the top of Tianchi. The steps are covered with snow in winter, so be extra careful. The West Slope offers the widest view of Tianchi, with fewer people and wild scenery. Afternoon: Explore Jinjiang Grand Canyon, see volcanic lava formations shaped like "crocodiles" and "bears." The snow-covered canyon looks even more mysterious, as if entering a primitive ice and snow world. Evening: Enjoy Korean ethnic barbecue, recommended is "Armani BBQ" near the West Slope, where you can learn to make the special dipping sauce of "sesame paste + sugar + soy sauce." Self-driving route: From Erdaobaihe Town, take National Highway 331 then Songtian Line, about 1.5 hours in total. Accommodation recommendation: Changbai Mountain Original Homeland Folk Hotel, modeled after traditional Northeast courtyards, featuring "kang bed + floor heating" dual heating. Rooms are decorated with handmade blue printed fabric bed runners and birch bark lamps, with an "Original Homeland Market" inside where you can experience intangible cultural heritage activities like paper cutting and sugar painting. Day 4: South Slope Secret · Cliff City and Canyon Exploration Morning: Head to Changbai Mountain South Slope, which offers the widest view of Tianchi and preserves the original volcanic landforms. Then visit the Yalu River Grand Canyon, hiking the plank road to see the deep canyon. Afternoon: Explore the Millennium Cliff City Scenic Area, a national 4A-level tourist attraction located at the foot of the South Slope of Changbai Mountain, facing Hwisan City in North Korea’s Ryanggang Province across the river. Here you can visit the ancient village in the creek, Blessing Cliff, and Jinghu Tower, experience the 96-meter-long glass corridor bridge and the 210-square-meter Sky Mirror. Evening: Return to accommodation. You can choose Haofeng Hotel near the South Slope, about 9 km from the South Scenic Area gate, only 20 minutes by car to the entrance, ideal for catching the first bus to Tianchi early in the morning. Self-driving route: From Erdaobaihe Town, take National Highway 331 directly to Changbai Mountain South Slope, about 2 hours in total. Visiting time: South Slope Tianchi (1.5 hours), Yalu River Grand Canyon (2 hours), Millennium Cliff City (3 hours). Day 5: Ice and Snow Fun and Return Morning: Head to Changbai Mountain Wanda International Resort to experience skiing. Beginners can learn alpine skiing or enjoy snowmobile and snow tubing activities. Afternoon: Check in at the snow sculpture park for photos, take the cable car to see the panoramic view of the forest sea and snowfield. Then visit Songjiang River Market to buy specialties like ginseng honey and dried matsutake mushrooms as souvenirs. Evening: End your pleasant Changbai Mountain ice and snow trip and start your return journey. Self-driving route: From Haofeng Hotel, take National Highway 331 then the mountain ring road to Wanda International Resort, about 1 hour in total. Budget estimate Accommodation: Budget hotels about 200-300 yuan/night, mid-range hotels about 400-600 yuan/night Tickets: Changbai Mountain scenic area ticket 105 yuan, other attractions about 50-100 yuan each Meals: About 100-150 yuan per person per day Transportation: Car rental 200-300 yuan per day (excluding fuel and tolls) Practical tips 1. Photography suggestion: The Millennium Cliff City Scenic Area offers professional travel photography services; you can book a winter travel photography package to capture the most beautiful winter moments. 2. Warmth measures: Dress warmly during winter photography; wear thermal underwear and remove outerwear only when shooting. 3. Ticket reservation: Changbai Mountain scenic area requires advance booking; it is recommended to book tickets 3 days in advance via the "Changbai Mountain" official WeChat account. 4. Safety notice: Some areas in the scenic spot have weak signals; it is recommended to download offline maps in advance. Winter at Changbai Mountain is a pure and romantic encounter. When you stand on the snowy mountain peak, overlooking the snow-covered primeval forest and feeling the fusion of hot springs and ice and snow, you will find that this place is not only a gift of nature but also a sanctuary for the soul. This winter, why not escape the hustle and bustle and come to Changbai Mountain to create your own winter memories in this fairy tale world wrapped in silver?