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Winter is most romantic when the snow falls. Scattered snowflakes gently fall to the ground, and the piling snowfields are an irreplaceable winter scene. Northeast China boasts the earliest winter in the country, and Xuexiang and Changbai Mountain are essential destinations for enjoying the snow.
Changbai Mountain, also known as Mount Paektu, is located on the China-North Korea border and is sacred to the Korean people. Its symbolism means "together forever, growing old together." Therefore, a winter visit to Changbai Mountain imbues it with a certain romantic charm. What are the best places to visit in Changbai Mountain in winter? What are the best things to do in Changbai Mountain during the winter? What are the temperatures like in Changbai Mountain during the winter? This guide will provide you with detailed information.
In a broad sense, Changbai Mountain refers to the main peak and main range of the Changbai Mountain Range, encompassing the main peak. This broad definition also encompasses the mountainous region of eastern Northeast China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces), as well as the numerous mountain ranges in the Russian Far East and on the Korean Peninsula. What we usually refer to as Changbai Mountain is the "Changbai Mountain Scenic Area."
Changbai Mountain Scenic Area is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. Its main peak, Changbai Mountain, is named for its white pumice and snow-covered landscapes. It's known as "a thousand years of snow and ten thousand years of pine, ascending to the highest peak on earth." The scenic area is located in eastern Jilin Province and is part of Baishan City. Changbai Mountain's vast area is divided into four sections: the East Slope, the West Slope, the North Slope, and the South Slope. The East Slope is located in North Korea. Winter tours of Changbai Mountain primarily focus on the North Slope. The West Slope is open, but the hike to the summit is more dangerous in winter. The South Slope is closed in winter. Therefore, winter tours should primarily focus on the North Slope, supplemented by the West Slope.
(Photo by Hasselblad)
Changbai Mountain's North Slope, located in Erdaobaihe Town, Baishan City, is the most popular winter destination for Changbai Mountain excursions. It's a 40-minute drive from Erdaobaihe Town to the foot of the North Slope, where you can transfer to a scenic shuttle bus and ascend the mountain. The North Slope boasts four scenic areas: Changbai Mountain Tianchi, Changbai Waterfall, Luyuantan, and the Underground Forest.
The Changbai Mountain Scenic Area shuttle bus operates in a highly regulated manner, with dispatchers at each scenic spot. Since Changbai Mountain's main peak is over 1,300 meters above sea level, the Tianchi Lake, located at the main peak, experiences strong winds of force 8 to 9 or higher year-round. If the Tianchi Lake is closed due to weather conditions, the visitor center at the foot of the mountain will announce this. If the Tianchi Lake is open, the shuttle bus will generally arrive at the Tianchi Transfer Station, where you can transfer to a 4WD off-road vehicle (the scenic area's operating vehicle) to reach the summit. If you choose not to visit Tianchi, you can continue by taking the shuttle bus to the Blue View Restaurant Central Station and transfer to another branch shuttle bus to continue your tour. Whether you can see Tianchi Lake depends on your luck.
Tips: In 2018, the Changbai Mountain Winter Scenic Area tickets are free, and the scenic shuttle bus costs 85 yuan per person.
The one-way trip to the summit of Tianchi Lake by off-road vehicle takes approximately 30 minutes. The scenic area operates a separate fare of 80 yuan per person for the summit vehicle (a separate ticket from the scenic shuttle bus). After reaching the summit, you'll finish your tour at Tianchi Lake. Then, queue up for the scenic shuttle bus down the mountain, which will take you directly to the central stop at the "Blue View Restaurant," where you can continue your tour. At Tianchi Lake, remember to dress warmly as it can be freezing cold. Skinny boys and girls should be sure to hold onto a heavier weight, or you might get blown away by the wind.
(Photography by Ono)
(Photography Soul Station)
Lanjing Restaurant is the most convenient dining and transfer hub for the Changbai Mountain North Slope Scenic Area. Here, you can catch shuttle buses to Changbai Waterfall, the valley forest, or back to the mountain gate service center. A dedicated shuttle bus dispatches you to the designated stops; if you're unsure where to board your bus, ask the dispatcher directly. Lunch at Lanjing Restaurant is more expensive: instant noodles are 15 yuan with hot water, and a variety of snacks, including dumplings, range from 35 to 50 yuan. A wooden plank road next to Lanjing Restaurant provides a 300-meter walk to Green Abyss Pond.
(Photo by Young at Green Abyss Pond)
After visiting Luyuantan, you can continue by bus to Tianchi Waterfall. The Changbai Mountain Scenic Area shuttle bus operates a one-person-per-seat policy, so standing is strictly prohibited. After reaching Tianchi Waterfall, it's a 30-minute hike to the foot of the waterfall. Snowmobiles are available for 50 yuan per person per trip.
(Photography by young)
The Underground Forest is generally the final stop on winter tours of Changbai Mountain's North Slope, as it's closer to the North Slope Gate Scenic Area Service Center. After returning from Tianchi Waterfall, you can take a bus directly to the Underground Forest, which is a roughly 8-kilometer wooden plank trail. This distance is slightly longer in winter, as the scenery along the way is dominated by snow-capped cedars. A 2-kilometer return hike is generally recommended. (Also, consider that sunset in Changbai Mountain is quite early in winter, reaching darkness around 4:00 PM.)
Compared to the north slope, the west slope of Changbai Mountain isn't very popular in winter. This is primarily due to its later development, poor winter facilities, and the greater dangers of snow and ice in winter, leading to fewer options. However, its low crowds are a natural advantage! Compared to the north slope, the west slope offers a panoramic view of Tianchi Lake. Only two scenic areas are open in winter: Tianchi Lake and Jinjiang Grand Canyon. The shuttle to Tianchi Lake only takes you to the base of the lake, followed by a climb of 1,236 steps—a thrilling prospect in the bitter cold.
(Photography by Yuxi)
The Tianchi Lake, the main peak of Changbai Mountain, is covered with snow almost all year round, and the snowfall time in the scenic area is generally from November to May of the following year.
When talking about the food, clothing, housing and transportation issues in Changbai Mountain, we must first talk about the two major satellite towns at the foot of Changbai Mountain. There are similar towns near the north slope and the west slope that can solve the problems of food, clothing, housing and transportation.
The North Slope of Changbai Mountain falls under the jurisdiction of Erdaobaihe Town. With the North Slope's winter surge, Erdaobaihe naturally becomes the largest winter distribution center for Changbai Mountain. Consequently, it boasts a wealth of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, train stations, and supermarkets. Generally, travelers first arrive in Erdaobaihe and then choose a transportation option to reach the North Slope.
transportation
Erdaobaihe is a transportation hub connecting Baishan, Dunhua, and Yanji. Even before its tourism development, due to its high traffic volume, it already had excellent transportation facilities. The Northeast's G201 expressway, located just 25 kilometers from the Songjiang Town exit, is a major transportation artery in Northeast China. Furthermore, the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area has constructed an outer ring road that connects to the S202 Provincial Highway, making transportation very convenient.
For public transportation, Erdaobaihe Town has two options: Erdaobaihe Passenger Transport Station and Baihe Railway Station. In winter, there are more trains and buses, which is very convenient.
Train: There are direct trains from Changchun to Baihe Station.
Car: You can take the high-speed rail from Changchun to Tonghua, and then take a bus from Tonghua to Erdaobaihe Station. There are many buses, which is very convenient.
Tips: Self-driving precautions:
In winter, most of the roads in Northeast China are covered with ice and snow. If you have no experience driving with snow tires and on icy and snowy roads, it is recommended that you avoid trying as the risk is high.
stay
Erdaobaihe Town boasts the most accommodation options in the entire Changbai Mountain region. Due to its proximity to the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, Erdaobaihe has fully utilized the mountain's hot spring resources. Hot spring hotels of all sizes abound throughout the town, ranging from farmhouses to five-star accommodations. We'll highlight two popular hot spring hotels in Erdaobaihe, offering excellent value for money.
Yuluquan Hot Spring Hotel
Located in the heart of Erdaobaihe's downtown area, this hotel is one of the oldest, quasi-five-star hot spring hotels in Erdaobaihe. It boasts a spacious, fully equipped spa and separate indoor and outdoor hot springs on the basement floor. Overall, it offers both upscale comfort and practical convenience, making it a practical choice for most travelers. Room rates range from 400-600 yuan per room during peak winter season, rising to 800-1200 yuan during the Spring Festival holiday.
Gem Town Resort
Located on the outskirts of Erdaobaihe Town, the hotel isn't centrally located, but it offers a wide range of dining, accommodation, and entertainment options. Even during the lingering winter, the nights are even more tranquil. Furthermore, the amenities and resources at Baoshi Town are among the best in Erdaobaihe. Rooms are spacious and luxurious, and the hot spring area and accommodation are separate, with the hotel's own free shuttle bus. While Yuluquan Hot Spring Hotel is more family-friendly, Baoshi Town offers luxurious comforts. Even more remarkable, Baoshi Town Hot Spring Hotel boasts a one-kilometer scenic path leading directly to the Demon Realm Scenic Area, a wonder of Changbai Mountain. In the early morning, visitors can witness the ethereal beauty of rime, a photography paradise. How's that for you? A buy-one-get-one-free deal for a luxurious experience! The hot spring hotel also features a secluded version of the "Game of Thrones" series, offering a unique and luxurious experience. During peak winter season, room rates range from 800 to 1200 yuan per room, rising to 1600 yuan during the Spring Festival holiday.
(Demon World Photography Zuo Qinghou)
FOOD
Erdaobaihe offers a wide variety of attractions, with the most distinctive ones being Northeastern iron pot stew, Korean barbecue, and Northeastern barbecue. Similar attractions can be found everywhere in the town. With the increase in restaurants and the development of the internet, prices are basically transparent. Being ripped off here is a thing of the past. Dining prices are basically the same as in Harbin city. After all, it is a tourist area.
dressing
I heard that the temperature in Northeast China is very low in winter, which is scary? In fact, here is some knowledge that I want to share with everyone: the winter in the north is due to the low humidity, which we commonly call "dry cold", while the Jiangnan region is what we call "wet cold". So we often form an illusion that we have to wear down jackets and thick cotton-padded jackets in the south when the temperature is around 0 degrees Celsius in the winter, so what should we do in the Northeast when the temperature is more than ten degrees below zero? In fact, the temperature in the Northeast is low, but the actual perceived temperature is not much lower than that in the south of the Yangtze River. In addition, the north has indoor heating and car heating. In fact, when you are outdoors, you should pay attention to protecting your ears and fingers, which are prone to freezing. For other things, you can basically wear down jackets, sweaters and trousers. However, if you want to climb to the top of Changbai Mountain, our ordinary clothes are not enough. I recommend that you rent a military coat and knee pads outside the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area. The price is about 50 yuan per person, which is still very cost-effective.
(The blue coat in the photo above is rented by the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area)
Wanda Resort Town is located near the Changbai Mountain West Scenic Area and Songjianghe Town, administratively located on the west slope of Changbai Mountain. However, due to the rise of Wanda Resort Town, Songjianghe Town has not experienced the same rapid development as Erdaobaihe, while Wanda Resort Town has instead gained greater fame. Furthermore, Wanda Resort Town, with its expanded skiing, hot spring, and water park facilities, has attracted a wider audience of high-end consumers and ski enthusiasts. Every winter (the ski resort generally opens on December 1st), Wanda Resort Town's world-class ski facilities attract skiers from around the world. However, overall consumer demand in Wanda Resort Town is significantly higher than in Erdaobaihe. While enjoying a wider range of winter activities, budget considerations are important.
transportation
Wanda Resort Town boasts convenient transportation. Road access was fully developed during its construction. The S26 Fuchang Expressway exits directly at Wanda Resort Town. Changbaishan Airport is located approximately a 30-minute drive from the town. Daily shuttle buses run from Wanda Resort Town to Changbaishan Airport. Bookings at a five-star Wanda Resort hotel typically include a convenient airport transfer service. China Express Airlines currently operates direct flights to Changbaishan Airport from Tianjin, Dalian, Changchun, Harbin, and Beijing. Changbaishan Airport is also accessible via connecting flights from major cities nationwide, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Xi'an.
In terms of transportation, there are also trains that can reach Wanda Resort Town. There are trains from Shenyang Railway Station to Songjianghe Railway Station, which is the well-known "Snowpiercer". After arriving at Songjianghe, special buses will take you to Wanda Resort Town for experience.
stay
Changbaishan Wanda Resort Town boasts some of the highest-quality accommodations in the three northeastern provinces. The Park Hyatt Changbaishan and Hyatt Grand Hyatt, both international five-star hotels, have been located in the Wanda Resort Town since its inception. Four-star hotels like Holiday Inn Express and Ibis Holiday Inn have also upgraded their accommodations within the resort town. All rooms include two complimentary ski passes, and the ski slopes are accessible from the hotel's entrance. The Hallasan Hot Springs and heated water park within the resort town offer the perfect winter getaway. During peak winter snow season, hotel prices range from 1,200 to 2,000 yuan per room at the Hyatt, while the Ibis and Holiday Inn Express range from 800 to 1,600 yuan. During the Spring Festival holiday, reservations are often unavailable, as travel agencies have already booked the rooms. You can sign up for a China-TravelNote luxury tour.
Have a meal
Wanda Resort Town also offers a wide range of dining options. Hotels like the Excelle and the Express Inn offer both Chinese and Western restaurants, as well as nightclubs. The town also boasts a food court with a wide variety of eateries, from KFC and Lanzhou Ramen to high-end Western restaurants. While prices are generally around 25% higher than those in Erdao Baihe, this isn't a problem for the wealthy.
dressing
You can refer to Erdaobaihe for clothing as the temperature is not much different, but you need to wear ski clothes and a helmet with mask for skiing, otherwise your skin will be hurt by the cold wind.
(Photo by Meiyu)
In addition to the visual feast of the scenery in Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, Changbai Mountain can become a holiday paradise in winter, mainly because of the various entertainment experiences in the Changbai Mountain area. The snow here is soft and abundant, making it a good skiing paradise. At the same time, the absolute resource advantage of Changbai Mountain Hot Springs provides an excellent hot spring experience here; there are also water parks, ice entertainment projects, etc.
Wanda Resort Town boasts Asia's top ski resort, and the surrounding area is dotted with numerous other ski resorts. We're highlighting the Wanda Ski Resort, which officially opens on December 1st each year, inviting renowned skiers to perform their first skis, marking the start of the winter season. Staying at the Wanda Resort Town offers numerous convenient skiing options. At the Hyatt Hotel, you can pick up your skis and equipment directly from your room's basement level and walk right to the slopes! From beginners to advanced skiers, there's a wide range of ski resorts available.
Changbai Mountain is an active volcano with a highly active underground magma layer, which provides the Changbai Mountain region with excellent hot spring resources. Whether it's Erdaobaihe or Wanda Resort Town, or even further afield in areas like Songjianghe and Luneng Resort, hot springs are now standard features at star-rated hotels! These hot springs are available both indoors and outdoors, but the outdoor ones offer the ultimate "ice and fire" experience. Soaking in a hot spring pool surrounded by snow is a truly indulgent experience!
There is a constant temperature water park in Wanda Resort Town. It is a unique experience here with ice and snow outside and warm water inside.
As for dog sledding, horse-drawn sledding, and snowmobiling, there are also many activities in the Changbai Mountain area. Where there is ice and snow, it is a happy winter paradise.
There are many very good places to experience ice and snow around the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area. As the surrounding scenic spots of Changbai Mountain, they can be regarded as an adjunct to the tour of Changbai Mountain. Some of the places with beautiful scenery and few people are still worth looking forward to.
The Demon Realm is located in Erdaobaihe Town, with the Naitou River flowing through it. Due to the high water temperature of the river, rime forms on the trees in winter temperatures of over 10 degrees Celsius below zero. The forested area through which the Naitou River flows is what we often call the "Demon Realm" scenic area. There are two Demon Realm scenic areas in Erdaobaihe, commonly known as the Old Demon Realm and the New Demon Realm. The Old Demon Realm is actually located downstream from the New Demon Realm. The Demon Realm near the Baoshi Town Hotel mentioned above is the Old Demon Realm. There is no scenic area management here, allowing free entry and exit. The New Demon Realm scenic area, on the other hand, is a formal scenic area with a 50-yuan ticket price per person.
Tips： Suggestions:
If you want to see the magnificent scenery of the Demon Realm, it is recommended to set off at 4:30 in the morning and enter the scenic area before 5:00, otherwise you will miss this dreamlike beauty.
(The New Demon World Scenic Area map is about a 1.5-kilometer walk to reach the shooting point)
(Photography by Shadow NK)
Jinjiang Wooden House Village, located 18km from Wanda Resort Town, is a Shandong immigrant village, a legacy left behind by the "Chuang Guandong" immigrants. The wooden structures are still used here, and from the village, you can enjoy panoramic views of Changbai Mountain.
(Photo by Xiaohai)
Songling Snow Village, located in Linjiang City, Jilin Province, 140 kilometers from Changbai Mountain, is another Shandong immigrant village. Upon its discovery, Songling Snow Village quickly attracted numerous photography enthusiasts from across the country. Compared to Xuexiang, it offers a more tranquil and leisurely winter experience in rural Northeast China. During the heavy snowfall, the scenery here evokes a line from an ancient poem: "Behind the wooden gate, I hear the barking of a dog; on a snowy night, a man returns home."
(Photo by Keemun Hong Tea)
Wangtian'e Fifteen Valleys, located in Changbai County, is a remnant of Changbai Mountain. Formed by volcanic eruptions, these gullies are known for their "icefalls" and "stone murals." Located about 155 kilometers from the western slopes of Changbai Mountain, it's rarely visited in winter, but the scenery is still worth the effort.
(Photography Tide)
Snow Town, Changbai Mountain, and Wusong Island are considered the three most popular winter tourist destinations in Northeast China. However, throughout the Northeast, winter offers many other hidden gems worth exploring. However, Changbai Mountain Snow Town and Wusong Island, these unique natural wonders, requiring the right time and location, will never go out of style. This winter, I'm eager to visit Northeast China again to experience the romantic snow!
