You've got to visit Changbai Mountain to see Tianchi Lake at least once!

You've got to visit Changbai Mountain to see Tianchi Lake at least once!

Transportation

Yanji → Changbai Mountain: Take the 6:40 AM bus, sleep through the ride, and you'll arrive hassle-free!

(Choose a left window seat for stunning mountain forest views along the way!)

Ticketing Tips

Early entry possible! I had an 11 AM ticket but arrived at the transit center around 9:30 AM and got in after just a few minutes' wait! Pure luck (check park notices as they may admit visitors in batches)

Must-See Tianchi

Head straight to the main peak first! In June, long sleeves + windbreaker are perfect. Both Route A and B are breathtakingly beautiful

(Route A offers wide-open views, Route B gets you closer to the lake - when foggy, it's like a fairyland!)

Attraction Route

Tianchi → Julong Hot Springs (eggs boiled in hot springs are amazingly fragrant) → Changbai Waterfall (walk more! The rainbow beneath the waterfall is incredible) → Green Deep Pool (easy photo spot, emerald-green waters) → Valley Forest (just walk partway - the boardwalk is long but scenery is healing)

Shuttle buses run frequently - no long waits! Wear comfortable walking shoes (non-slip soles essential!)

Accommodation

Stay near the transit center - visit Yunding Night Market in the evening, way more fun than daytime!

(Tried the iron pot stew and Korean rice cakes - the night market lights create amazing atmosphere)

Next Day Activities

Erdaohe Town is perfect for strolling! June flowers weren't blooming when we visited, but the riverside wooden walkway was wonderfully cool

(Check bloom dates in advance - we missed them but the town's cafes and B&Bs were super cozy, great for relaxing)

Tips

1. Tianchi is windy - sunglasses and scarves are must-haves to protect your face
2. Julong Hot Springs eggs: 10 yuan for 3, with perfectly runny yolks - absolutely divine
3. Blueberry slushies sold below Changbai Waterfall - incredibly refreshing after hiking
4. For Valley Forest, just walk the first third - scenery gets repetitive after

"Changbai Mountain's beauty is both divine and down-to-earth."

This summer, make your pilgrimage to Tianchi Lake! Follow me for more Northeast China travel guides