Changbai Mountain is stunning, but I honestly don’t recommend going in July because............
Changbai Mountain: A mountain with four seasons, ten miles with different weather — 4 days 3 nights panoramic guide to unlock the ice, snow, and forest secrets of Northeast China’s sacred mountain
Keywords: Tianchi Lake wonder, volcanic hot springs, primeval forest, Korean ethnic customs, snowy fairy tale
Budget: 2500-4500 RMB per person (including transportation + accommodation + activities, 4 days 3 nights, slightly higher in winter)
Best seasons:
Summer (June-August): A summer resort, high chance to see the full view of Tianchi Lake, covered with wildflowers;
Autumn (September-October): Forests dyed in layers, red leaves and coniferous trees interwoven like an oil painting;
Winter (November to February next year): Snow kingdom, skiing, rime ice, and hot springs all in one.
1. Must-visit highlights: Changbai Mountain’s “Four Seasons Divine”
1. Changbai Mountain Tianchi Lake: The “Blue Sapphire” on the volcanic crater
Highlights: China’s largest volcanic crater lake, altitude 2189 meters, surrounded by 16 peaks;
In summer, the lake is blue and mirror-like; in winter, it freezes with a faint blue glow;
On clear days, you can overlook the Korean Peninsula, and when shrouded in mist, it looks like a fairyland.
How to enjoy:
North Slope (most developed): Walk 1,442 steps or take a shuttle bus directly to Tianchi Lake, with waterfalls and Julong Spring along the way;
West Slope (most pristine scenery): Requires climbing 1,442 steps but offers a wider view, perfect for panoramic shots of Tianchi Lake;
South Slope (most mysterious): Open only 2-3 months a year, fewer people and wild scenery, close access to the China-North Korea boundary marker.
Tips: Tianchi Lake is open only about 100 days a year, check the weather forecast before traveling;
The summit is windy and cold, bring a windbreaker in summer and extreme cold gear in winter.
2. Changbai Mountain Waterfall: The “Milky Way Waterfall” on the volcanic crater
Highlights: 68 meters drop, the highest waterfall in Northeast China, forms an “icefall wonder” in winter;
Below the waterfall is Julong Spring, with hundreds of hot spring vents bubbling, water temperature up to 82°C;
You can boil hot spring eggs (10 RMB/3 eggs), with firm whites and runny yolks, a unique taste.
How to enjoy: Hike along the wooden boardwalk to the waterfall base to feel the mist;
In winter, use a tripod to shoot the contrast of “icefall + hot spring”;
Buy a skewer of “hot spring corn” (5 RMB each) to eat while walking.
3. Magic World Scenic Area: The “fantasy world” of rime ice and morning mist
Highlights: On winter mornings, hot spring steam meets cold air to form “tree rime ice”;
Dead trees reflected in the river look like a magical movie scene, called “Little Jiuzhaigou of Northeast China”;
In summer, the river is clear for drifting and kayaking.
How to enjoy: Arrive before 6:30 am in winter, take an off-road vehicle through the rime ice forest (ticket 98 RMB);
Bring a camera to capture the “steam train” effect (telephoto lens compresses the background);
Wear red or yellow jackets to stand out against the white rime ice.
2. In-depth experiences: Changbai Mountain’s “seasonal exclusives”
1. Winter exclusive: The “ice and fire” of skiing and hot springs
Recommended ski resorts:
Wanda Resort Ski Area: 43 slopes, suitable for beginners to experts, includes a children’s playground;
Luneng Shengdi Ski Area: Fewer people, beautiful scenery, mostly beginner slopes, great for families;
Red Pine King Ski Area: Cost-effective, experience crossing the “forest sea snowfield.”
Hot spring experience:
Crowne Plaza Volcanic Hot Spring: Draws water from Julong Spring, outdoor pools with snow mountain views;
Halla Mountain Hot Spring: Indoor and outdoor pools, children’s water park;
Tips: Don’t soak on an empty stomach, limit time to 20 minutes.
2. Summer exclusive: Primeval forest hiking and drifting
Hiking routes:
Underground Forest: 2.3 km loop, passes through volcanic lava tunnels, see thousand-year-old trees;
Jinjiang Grand Canyon: 8 km volcanic lava canyon, known as “Northeast’s No.1 Canyon”;
Tips: Wear non-slip shoes, bring mosquito repellent, possible rain in summer afternoons.
Recommended drifting:
Songhua River First Drift: 10 km gentle water flow, family-friendly;
Lushui River Hunting Ground Drift: Surrounded by primeval forest, may spot squirrels.
3. Autumn exclusive: Red Leaf Valley and Korean ethnic autumn harvest
Red Leaf Valley: Jiaohe Red Leaf Valley is one of “China’s Top Ten Autumn Views,” from mid-October to early November the forest is dyed in layers;
You can take sightseeing buses or hike to “General’s Altar” for panoramic shots.
Korean ethnic autumn harvest experience: In Guangdong Village, Helong City, participate in rice harvesting, making kimchi, wear Korean costumes for photos;
Enjoy an “Autumn Harvest Feast”: kimchi stewed ribs, rice sausage, rice cake, paired with homemade rice wine.
3. Changbai Mountain cuisine: The bold flavors of Northeast China
1. Must-try classics
Iron Pot Stew (60-80 RMB per person): Iron pot stewed goose, ribs, fish, with corn cakes stuck to the pot edge, dipped in garlic paste;
Recommended restaurants: “Old Guandong Iron Pot Stew,” “Shanhetun Iron Pot Stew”;
Korean ethnic food: Cold noodles (15-20 RMB/bowl): Buckwheat noodles with beef broth, apple slices, spicy sauce, sweet and sour appetizing;
Samgyetang (68-88 RMB/serving): Whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and ginseng, clear and fresh soup;
Recommended restaurants: “Jindalai Cold Noodles,” “Grandma Yuan’s Rice Wraps”;
Changbai Mountain wild game (within legal limits): Forest frog stewed with potatoes (seasonal): Forest frogs rich in protein, stewed with potatoes;
Stir-fried wild vegetable buds (spring exclusive): Tender wild vegetable shoots, fragrant and refreshing.
2. Hidden snacks
Hot spring boiled eggs (10 RMB/3 eggs): Boiled by Julong Spring, yolks not fully solidified;
Rice sausage (10 RMB/serving): Pig intestines stuffed with glutinous rice and pig blood, steamed and sliced with sauce;
Frozen pear/frozen persimmon (5 RMB each): Common in winter streets, crunchy ice slush texture inside.
4. Accommodation recommendations
Luxury choice: Park Hyatt Changbai Mountain (2000-4000 RMB/night), inside the ski resort, very private;
Hot spring resort: Crowne Plaza Changbai Mountain (1000-2000 RMB/night), direct access to Julong Spring hot springs;
Cost-effective choice: Erdaobaihe Town homestays (200-500 RMB/night), walking distance to Beauty Pine Park;
Unique experience: Jinjiang Wooden House Village (150-300 RMB/night), stay in century-old wooden log houses with heated kang beds.
5. Classic 4 days 3 nights itinerary
Winter version: Skiing + hot springs + Tianchi Lake
Day 1: Getting to know Changbai Mountain
Morning: Arrive at Erdaobaihe Town, check in hotel;
Afternoon: Shoot rime ice at Magic World Scenic Area, try snowmobiling;
Evening: Eat iron pot stew, soak in Halla Mountain hot spring.
Day 2: Challenge Tianchi Lake and skiing
Morning: Climb Tianchi Lake from North Slope (weather permitting), see waterfall and Julong Spring;
Afternoon: Ski at Wanda Ski Resort, try the “beginner magic carpet”;
Evening: Eat Korean barbecue, stay at Park Hyatt.
Day 3: Romance of forest and snowfield
Morning: Hike Jinjiang Grand Canyon, see icefall and snow pine;
Afternoon: Cross Old Keli Lake snowfield (guide required), shoot “forest sea snowfield” photos;
Evening: Return to Erdaobaihe Town, eat hot spring boiled eggs.
Day 4: Cultural wrap-up
Morning: Visit Changbai Mountain Museum to learn volcanic geology;
Afternoon: Experience Korean ethnic autumn harvest in Guangdong Village, wear hanbok for photos;
Evening: Buy ginseng and pine nuts as souvenirs before departure.
Summer version: Escape the heat + forest + Tianchi Lake
Day 1: Cool forest and waterfall
Morning: Hike Underground Forest, breathe in negative oxygen ions;
Afternoon: Visit Changbai Mountain Waterfall and Julong Spring, eat hot spring corn;
Evening: Stay at Crowne Plaza, soak in volcanic hot springs.
Day 2: Stunning Tianchi Lake and canyon
Morning: Climb Tianchi Lake from West Slope, shoot panoramic photos;
Afternoon: Drift in Jinjiang Grand Canyon, see primeval forest on both sides;
Evening: Eat Korean cold noodles, stroll Erdaobaihe Town night market.
Day 3: Border and folk culture collision
Morning: Climb Tianchi Lake from South Slope (advance reservation required), check in at China-North Korea boundary marker;
Afternoon: Experience Korean ethnic life in Changbai County, eat kimchi stewed ribs;
Evening: Return to Erdaobaihe Town, buy dried blueberries and hazelnuts.
Day 4: Leisurely tour and departure
Morning: Bike in Beauty Pine Park, see glass plank road;
Afternoon: Visit Neyin Ancient City, learn Manchu culture;
Evening: Eat iron pot stewed goose before leaving, end the trip.
Changbai Mountain’s four seasons are spring wildflowers, summer coolness, autumn red leaves, and winter snowfields;
It is the blue of Tianchi Lake, the white of the waterfall, the green of the forest, and the silver of the rime ice;
It is the smile of Korean girls, the aroma of iron pot stew, and the warmth of hot spring water.
Come here for a date with nature,
Let your body and soul immerse in the cycle of seasons of the “Northeast Sacred Mountain.”