Northeast China May-June road trip routes

1. Changbai Mountain South Slope + Yalu River Borderline (3 Days, 2 Nights) Highlights: Panoramic view of Tianchi Lake, volcanic landforms, Korean ethnic customs, Sino-North Korean border scenery - Day 1: Depart from Changchun/Jilin City, take the Fuchang Expressway to Changbai Mountain South Slope (approx. 4 hours), visit Tianchi Lake and Yalu River Grand Canyon (less fog in summer), and check into a hot spring hotel in Erdaobaihe Town in the evening (reservations required in advance). - Day 2: In the morning, explore Jinjiang Wooden House Village (a 300-year-old traditional Korean village), and in the afternoon, take G331 National Highway to Changbai County. Visit the "Millennium Cliff City" glass viewing platform at night (reservations required) and experience a Korean bonfire party. - Day 3: Changbai County to Ji'an (2 hours), check out the Wandu Mountain City ruins and Ji'an hot pot cuisine, and pass by the Yalu River Broken Bridge on the return trip (ID required). Seasonal limited experiences: - In early summer, the 10,000-mu apple and pear orchard in Ji'an bears fruit, and you can participate in orchard picking (at your own expense); - Encounter wild animals such as roe deer and sables on the hiking trail on the south slope of Changbai Mountain (feeding is prohibited). Safety tips: - The Tianchi Lake area is windy, so it is recommended to wear a windproof jacket; - Some sections of the G331 border highway have no signal, so you need to download an offline map in advance. --- 2. Hulunbuir Grassland + Arxan (4 Days, 3 Nights) Highlights: Grassland horseback riding, volcanic lakes, forest hiking, Mongolian culture - Day 1: Depart from Hailar, cross the Hulunbuir Grassland (the "First Bend of the World" of the Morigele River), arrive at the Erguna Wetland in the evening (warm clothing is required for stargazing), and stay in a Mongolian yurt (with private bathroom). - Day 2: In the morning, explore the Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe (interactive projects require additional payment), and in the afternoon, drive to Arxan (4 hours) to visit Arxan Tianchi Lake and Rhododendron Lake (abundant water in summer). - Day 3: Arxan National Forest Park (Shitanglin, Santanxia), head to Xin Barag Left Banner in the evening to experience the grassland Nadam bonfire party (bring mosquito repellent). - Day 4: On the return trip, pass by Hulun Lake (you can participate in the fishermen's fishing experience during the opening season) and end the trip. Safety tips: - Confirm whether the grassland chartered tour includes horse riding insurance; - The area around Arxan Tianchi Lake is slippery, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes. --- 3. Jingpo Lake - Underground Forest - Hengdaohezi (3 Days, 2 Nights) Highlights: Volcanic barrier lake, primeval forest, relics of the China Eastern Railway - Day 1: Depart from Mudanjiang, visit the Diaoshuilou Waterfall in Jingpo Lake (increased cruise frequency in summer), take a boat to explore the lake-center island, and stay in a lakeside homestay (it is recommended to choose a room type with kitchen facilities). - Day 2: Go to the Underground Forest (Xiaobeihu National Forest Park), hike the volcanic lava landform, visit the Hengdaohezi Locomotive Depot in the afternoon (free admission), and stay overnight in a century-old Russian-style town. - Day 3: Hengdaohezi to Snow Town (summer hiking trail), cross the forest canyon, and pass by Dunhua Liudingshan on the return trip (the Golden Buddha needs to be reserved). Safety tips: - Keep quiet when observing fireflies in the Underground Forest, and do not use strong flashlights; - There are occasional showers in Snow Town in summer, so be prepared with portable rain gear. --- 4. G331 National Highway Dandong - Changbai Mountain Section (4 Days, 3 Nights) Highlights: Border highway, Sino-North Korean-Russian cross-border scenery, island wetlands - Day 1: Gather in Dandong, visit the Yalu River Broken Bridge (ID card required), and in the evening, take G331 to Lvjiang Village in Kuandian (sunny days are required to photograph the "submerged land"), and stay in a riverside homestay. - Day 2: Lvjiang Village → Ji'an (3 hours), explore Wandu Mountain City (free), General's Tomb, Ji'an hot pot for dinner (recommended local restaurants), and stay overnight on the Yalu River. - Day 3: Ji'an → Changbai Mountain South Slope (4 hours), visit Tianchi Lake and Yuehua Forest Belt, and stay in Erdaobaihe Town. - Day 4: Changbai Mountain North Slope Underground Forest → Return to Shenyang/Changchun (passing by Dunhua Zhengjue Temple). Safety tips: - Parking and photography are prohibited in the rapeseed flower sea area of the Dandong section of G331; - There are occasional wild animals on the hiking trail on the north slope of Changbai Mountain, so keep a safe distance.