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Changbai Mountain lies at the border between Jilin Province and North Korea. Aside from one-third of Tianchi Lake and its eastern slopes, the rest lies within Chinese territory. The Changbai Mountains are the source of the Yalu, Songhua, and Tumen Rivers. They are the birthplace of the Manchu people and a sacred mountain for Manchu culture. The "Changbai" in the name also carries a beautiful connotation, meaning long-lasting companionship until old age, representing people's yearning and celebration for loyalty and happy love.
Changbai Mountain is a dormant volcano whose current landscape was formed through several eruptions. Its most famous feature is Tianchi Lake, located at the summit. However, viewing Tianchi requires a bit of luck, and many visitors make repeated trips simply to see the full view of China's largest crater lake. While Tianchi's fame alone is enough to overshadow everything else, it doesn't represent the entirety of Changbai Mountain. The magnificent Changbai Waterfall, the graceful Luyuantan Lake, and the tranquil forests at the bottom of the valley are all part of Changbai Mountain's charm.
It is a temperate continental mountain climate influenced by the monsoon . In addition to the characteristics of general mountain climate, it also has obvious vertical climate changes.
The general characteristics are: long and harsh winters, short and cool summers, windy and dry springs, and foggy and cool autumns.
Best time to travel:
June to September is the most comfortable season of the year and also the time when the natural scenery is the most beautiful;
The ski season is from mid-November to March of the following year, and you can also enjoy the frozen Tianchi Lake and ice waterfall.
May: Although the Tianchi Lake is still frozen in early May, this is the most comfortable time of the year to see the "frozen Tianchi Lake". The temperature is between -5 and 10 degrees Celsius.
Changbai Mountain Tianchi
Located at the top of the volcanic cone in the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, Tianchi Lake is the source of the Songhua, Tumen, and Yalu Rivers and is also my country's deepest lake. Volcanic eruptions formed an oval crater lake, covering 10 square kilometers, making it the largest in my country. At an altitude of 2,150 meters, it is the highest volcanic lake in the world. The best time to visit Tianchi Lake is midsummer, when clouds and mist are less prevalent, making it easier to see its true beauty.
Opening hours: October 1st - April 30th 08:30-15:00 May 1st - September 30th 07:30-15:00
Ticket price : 120/person
North slope of Changbai Mountain
The area north of Changbai Mountain's Tianchi Lake is known as the North Slope Scenic Area. This area boasts more attractions than the West and South Slopes, but also attracts more tourists. Here, visitors can admire classic geological wonders such as the Changbai Mountain Waterfall, Julong Hot Springs, and the forested valley floor. Experience the thrill of a stopover car, navigating sharp curves, and overlook Tianchi Lake from the steep main peak. The hot spring square sells uniquely flavored hot spring eggs, which are worth trying. Alternatively, wash your hands in the nearby hot spring pools and soak in the volcanic hot springs.
Opening hours: 06:30-16:00
Tickets : Regular ticket: 125 RMB, Eco-friendly car: 85 RMB
Xipo Tianchi
Due to its relatively recent development, this area retains much of its pristine natural beauty, is relatively quiet, and sees fewer tourists. To reach the west slope, you need to climb 1,442 steps to the observation deck. Each step is marked with a number indicating your progress. Those less physically fit can also take a sedan chair for a fee. From the top, you can admire the entirety of Tianchi Lake, a tranquil mirror-like scene that clearly reflects the surrounding peaks, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Tourists often report sightings of a lake monster, though its existence has never been confirmed. However, this adds to the lake's mystique.
Opening hours: 08:00-15:00
Tickets:
Regular ticket: 125 RMB
Half-price ticket: Minors aged 6-18, senior citizens aged 60-65, students, and active military personnel can enjoy half-price ticket with valid ID.
Free of charge: Children 6 years old and below or 1.2 meters tall and below, senior citizens 65 years old and above, disabled military and police officers, tour guides and people with disabilities are exempt from the charge with valid ID.
The free opening day is May 19th, and tourists entering the area on that day can enter the scenic area free of charge.
Changbai Waterfall
Changbai Waterfall is located on the northern slope of Tianchi Lake, at the end of the Chengcha River. Accessible by the scenic area's eco-friendly shuttle, it's convenient and quick. Named Changbai Waterfall because of its status as a scenic spot in Changbai Mountain, the waterfall cascades down the Chengcha River at a depth of 1,250 meters, creating a dramatic 68-meter-high waterfall. The steep slopes and swift currents create a scene resembling a slanted ladder to heaven. At the waterfall's mouth, a massive rock formation known as "Niulang Ferry" divides the cascade into two streams. The water rushes down into the valley, creating waves several feet high and creating a mist-like atmosphere, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Opening hours : 6:30-16:00
Tickets: Scenic spot tickets: 125 yuan/person; eco-friendly car tickets: 85 yuan/person
Changbai Mountain (Chinese: 长白山), also known as Paektu Mountain, is a volcanic mountain on the China–North Korea border. It is a sacred site in various local legends and in Qing dynasty imperial culture, considered a holy mountain. Geologically, it is notable for its volcanic crater, the highest volcanic lake (Heaven Lake), and rich biodiversity. It is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve and forms important watershed origins (Songhua, Yalu, Tumen Rivers).
Changbai Mountain lies in Jilin Province, China, straddling the border with North Korea. The tourist area is divided into slopes: North Slope, South Slope, West Slope. The North Slope is most developed. From major cities: fly or take train to Changbai area (e.g. Changbaishan Airport or train to Erdaobaihe) then local bus or shuttle to scenic area. Inside the park: use eco shuttle buses, off-road vehicles, walking/hiking paths.
Changbai Mountain scenic area is open year-round, though access to summit (Tianchi) is seasonal. The best time is late June to early September for clear weather and access to the crater lake. Also winter (Nov–Jan) is ideal for snow and skiing.
The scenic area charges admission; fees vary by slope and package (North Slope is popular). Tickets can be bought online or at scenic area entrances.
During peak season, advance booking is recommended to secure summit access (Tianchi) and shuttle slots. A few days to a week ahead often suffices.
A full Changbai Mountain trip typically takes 2 to 3 days to cover major slopes and attractions. Some visitors allocate one day for the North Slope alone.
Yes, guided tours are available (often in Chinese). Some private tour operators offer English guides. Audio guides may be available at key attractions, depending on slope and management.
A typical itinerary: arrive base town → take shuttle to slope entrance → head up to Tianchi (if weather permits) → descend via waterfall route → visit hot springs and forest zones → return. Alternate route: focus on North Slope one day, then explore West or South slopes another day.
There is no widespread “night viewing” for summit areas. The scenic area mainly operates during daylight hours. In winter, snow and ski resorts may host evening events locally.
It is busiest in summer (July–August) and national holidays. Less crowded: early or late in season (late June, September) and weekdays.
Visitor centers and slope entrances include restrooms, stalls selling snacks, equipment rental (warm clothes) near North Slope. The National Park Visitor Center near Erdaobaihe houses amenities and interpretive displays.
Some lower routes, forest paths, and hot spring areas are more accessible. The climb to Tianchi and steep paths may be strenuous, especially at altitude. Those with limited mobility should focus on lower slope attractions.
In developed parts (ticket offices, shops) mobile payments and cards are accepted. In remote spots or small vendors, cash (CNY) is useful backup.
In Erdaobaihe town and slope bases, there are restaurants offering Northeastern Chinese cuisine, Korean style dishes, local specialties. Some slope stalls and snack shops near waterfall or hot spring zones.
Vegetarian dishes (vegetables, tofu) are commonly available in tourist restaurants. Halal options are limited; in towns catering to Korean or minority populations you might find them.
Many hotels, resorts, and guesthouses are in Erdaobaihe, the main gateway town. Some slope lodges or mountain resorts nearer to scenic zone.
Yes — shops sell local ginseng, wild mushrooms, berries (bilberry), native herbs, packaged teas, postcards, and crafts.
