Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese traveler who has spent years exploring mountains, coastlines, and cultural crossroads across the world. I pay close attention to the stories carved into landscapes, and I enjoy understanding how nature and culture shape each other. Among all the places I’ve visited, Changbai Mountain remains one of the destinations I return to again and again. Known as one of China’s “Top Ten Famous Mountains,” this volcanic region blends alpine forests, geothermal wonders, crater lakes, and deep winter scenery into a single remarkable place. In this guide, I’ll share what makes Changbai Mountain so compelling and offer practical tips to help you explore this stunning Northeast China destination with confidence.

Summary

Introduction to Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain, officially known as the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, spans 52.42 square kilometers and holds China’s prestigious AAAAA rating. The region’s highlights—including Tianchi Lake, dramatic waterfalls, snow sculptures, and dense alpine forests—have earned several Guinness World Records. It is also celebrated as one of China’s Top Ten Mountains, home to one of the country’s most beautiful lakes and one of its most impressive forest systems. Positioned along the eastern edge of the Eurasian continent, Changbai Mountain sits on the border between China and North Korea.

  • Address: Erdaobaihe Town, Antu County, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening hours: 06:30–15:00
  • Recommended duration: 1–2 days
  • Best seasons: June–September for lush forests and iris blossoms; mid-November to March for icy Tianchi Lake, frozen waterfalls, and skiing.
  • Ticket prices: North Slope 225 CNY, West Slope 209 CNY, South Slope 190 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Scenic view of Changbai Mountain with dramatic clouds

Why You Should Visit Changbai Mountain

Unique Natural Landscapes

  • Changbai Mountain features classic natural landmarks such as Tianchi Lake, waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic winter scenery. In winter, the frozen lake contrasts with steaming hot springs, while summer brings vibrant forests, rime frost, and misty valleys. Activities like the Moguixian rime-forest rafting and snowmobiles offer immersive outdoor experiences.
  • The region combines volcanic terrain with untouched forests and supports diverse wildlife, including reindeer and sprawling birch woodlands.

Year-Round Travel Experiences

  • Winter: Ski resorts, rime-forest rafting, and outdoor hot springs make this season especially memorable. The sharp contrast between the –20°C temperatures and the warmth of geothermal pools creates a striking experience.
  • Other seasons: Summer offers peaceful forest hikes. Autumn draws visitors with brilliant foliage. Spring brings volcanic hot springs and alpine meadows back to life.

How to Choose Between the North, West, and South Scenic Areas?

  • During China’s major holidays, choose the West Slope: Crowds surge in the North Slope during holidays such as Labor Day or National Day. Lines grow long, and the viewing experience becomes stressful. Tickets are also harder to secure. In contrast, the West and South Slopes attract fewer visitors, which improves the overall experience.
  • During the off-season, choose the North Slope: When crowds thin out, the North Slope becomes an enjoyable and relaxed option. You can move freely, take photos without rushing, and explore at your own pace. Erdaobaihe Town also offers great infrastructure. Beyond the main attractions, you can enjoy places like Beauty Pine Park or the Chinese Merganser Park for a slower local experience.
  • For seniors or young children, choose the North Slope: The North Slope uses shuttle buses that take visitors directly to the main viewpoints, which reduces walking. In summer and autumn, the West Slope requires climbing more than 1,400 steps, which might be too demanding. In winter and spring, reaching Tianchi Lake on the West Slope requires a snowmobile ride. These rides are fast and not ideal for older travelers or young kids. The South Slope is far from both the North and West Slope, and long driving hours may be uncomfortable.

North Slope (North Entrance)

Attractions here are diverse. You can visit Tianchi Lake, Changbai Waterfall, the Julong Hot Spring Cluster, the Small Tianchi, Lüyuantan, and the Underground Forest. The Julong Hot Spring Cluster is also famous for hot-spring boiled eggs, a fun treat after exploring. This area sees the most visitors and works well throughout all four seasons. Among the three regions, the North Slope offers the best visitor facilities, with convenient options for lodging, dining, and shopping around the area.

  • Transportation: The North Slope entrance is closest to Erdaobaihe Town and the Changbai Mountain High-Speed Railway Station. Travel is very convenient.
  • Downsides: The angle for viewing Tianchi Lake can be partially obstructed. Crowds grow heavy during peak seasons, which impacts the experience. Tickets are also harder to secure during busy periods.

West Slope (West Entrance)

This region offers the most impressive panoramic view of Tianchi Lake, along with highlights such as the Alpine Garden (blooming in July), Wangchi Lake, and the Jinjiang Grand Canyon. After conquering 1,442 steps, you can enjoy a breathtaking view that reveals the full sweep of the crater lake. Facilities are slightly more limited compared to the North Slope, but Songjianghe Town provides basic support, and the nearby resorts include luxurious hotels and recreation options.

  • Transportation: Located on the western side of the mountain, the entrance is close to Songjianghe Town and much nearer to the Wanda Resort, Luneng Resort, and Changbai Mountain Airport. It is a convenient choice for travelers arriving by plane.
  • Downsides: In summer and autumn, climbing more than 1,400 steps can be tiring. In winter and spring, the stairs are covered in snow, so visitors must take a paid snowmobile ride to reach the top. The ride is exciting—especially in bright winter sun—but it carries more risk.

South Slope (South Entrance)

This area preserves the most untouched landscapes, including Tianchi Lake, the Birch Twin Waterfalls, the Yalu River Grand Canyon, and carbonized wood remains. It is also the only slope where visitors can hire a private car to reach the summit directly. Here, Tianchi Lake sits closest to the viewpoint and offers the rare chance to look down across the entire basin. Facilities are limited, and visitors usually handle meals and lodging in nearby towns such as Changbai County.

  • Transportation: As the birthplace of the Yalu River, the South Slope sits far from the main towns and transportation hubs, including the Changbai Mountain High-Speed Railway Station.
  • Downsides: Development began later here. Infrastructure remains limited, and most visitors need to reserve private transportation. The South Slope operates only between June and mid-October. It remains closed during other months. Daily ticket availability is low, with around 1,000 tickets released per day, making it difficult to secure tickets during peak seasons.

Top Things to Do in Changbai Mountain

Main Attractions

Changbai Mountain Tianchi Lake

Changbai Mountain’s Tianchi Lake stands as the most iconic symbol of this volcanic sacred mountain and is China’s highest volcanic lake. Each time I visit, I feel the same sense of awe—as if witnessing the world’s first dawn. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, the lake rests quietly at the summit, surrounded by sixteen dramatic peaks. On clear days, the surface reflects the sky like a perfect mirror. On cloudy days, it shifts into a mysterious deep blue that looks like a living oil painting. Summer and autumn offer the best views. In winter, the lake freezes into a silent white expanse that reveals the raw power of Northeast China’s mountains. This is not only a scenic spot—it is a profound encounter with geology, climate, and the forces of nature.

Heavenly Lake on Changbai Mountain with clear blue sky

Changbai Mountain Waterfall

Changbai Mountain Waterfall is a volcanic cliff waterfall formed by water flowing directly from Tianchi Lake. It is one of the most powerful natural scenes in the entire region. Standing before it, you can feel the immense force created by both volcanic activity and glacial movement. The water drops nearly 70 meters, roaring in summer and freezing into a silver-white icefall in winter. The geothermal activity around the area sends up columns of steam, creating a rare mix of ice and heat.

  • Only visible from the North Slope
Changbai Mountain waterfall flowing through steep cliffs

Lüyuantan Pool

Lüyuantan is a vivid emerald pool hidden deep within the forest. Its striking color resembles a piece of jade resting in the mountains. Unlike the grandeur of Tianchi Lake, this pool offers quiet beauty. Mountain springs and streams feed the pool, and the volcanic rock layers filter the water, giving it remarkable clarity. The surrounding forest reflects softly on the surface. When the wind moves, the green ripples look like the forest is breathing.

  • Only visible from the North Slope
Green Deep Pool surrounded by winter landscape in Changbai Mountain

Rime Rafting

Rime rafting is one of the most immersive winter experiences at Changbai Mountain. The large temperature difference between hot spring water and freezing air produces heavy mist that settles into thick rime along the riverbanks at dawn. It feels like drifting through a fantasy world. The “Mojie Rafting” route in the North Slope is the top choice, with the best scenery between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. If you visit the West Slope, the “First Drift of Tianchi Water” offers clearer water and a different atmosphere.

  • Winter only, available in both the North and West Slope
  • Buy waterproof fleece gloves online in advance (about 20 CNY), wear waterproof pants, and use warmers. These help with comfort and prevent your phone from shutting down due to extreme cold.
  • Rafting times and ticket prices: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Snow-covered rime forest with winter river in Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain Ticket Guide

Since the South Slope is not ideal for most visitors, this guide focuses on the North and West Slopes. You need two tickets for Changbai Mountain: a combination ticket for the scenic area and a ticket to reach the Tianchi summit. If weather conditions prevent access to Tianchi Lake on the same day, the summit ticket will be refunded.

  • North Slope: Combination ticket for Changbai Mountain North Slope (225 CNY) + North Slope Tianchi Summit Shuttle (80 CNY), total 305 CNY.
    • Discounts available: ages 7–18 (172.5 CNY), seniors 65+ (120 CNY)
  • West Slope: Combination ticket for Changbai Mountain West Slope (209 CNY) + West Slope summit snowmobile ticket (165 CNY, winter only), total 374 CNY. In summer and autumn, you only need the 209 CNY combination ticket.
    • Discounts available: ages 7–18 (156.5 CNY), seniors 65+ (104 CNY)
    • Snowmobile rides operate only in heavy-snow winter months.

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: Official WeChat account “长白山” and third-party booking platforms.
  • Offline: Ticket counters at the scenic area. Always buy tickets in advance! Regardless of season, on-site tickets often sell out quickly.
  • Recommended North Slope route for Changbai Mountain, total duration about 6 hours
    • Changbai Mountain North Slope Visitor Center → Transfer Center → Tianchi Lake → Main Peak → Changbai Waterfall → Small Tianchi → Lüyuantan → Valley Forest → Mammoth Park → Exit
    • Remember to sit by the window! The scenery outside is stunning.
  • Changbai Mountain West Slope route
    • West Slope Visitor Center → West Slope Baixi Visitor Center → West Slope Transfer Center → Tianchi Parking Lot (Main Peak Parking Area) → Tianchi Boardwalk with 1,442 steps → Tianchi Viewing Platform (Main Peak Platform).
    • The West Slope has only one major attraction: Tianchi Lake. In summer and autumn, you need to climb the steps; in winter, you can only reach the top by snowmobile.

There are simple food options along the road from the North Slope to Tianchi Lake. You can find instant noodles, roasted cold noodles, and hot spring eggs (10 CNY for three). Several Chinese restaurants are also available. The West Slope’s transfer center offers snacks such as sausages and corn, along with some quick meal options.

If you prefer something more comfortable, I recommend eating at the foot of the mountain. You can try Korean-style dishes and Northeast Chinese cuisine. The flavors and cooking styles are completely different and worth experiencing.

Traditional Korean-style spicy stew from Yanbian

Where you stay depends on whether you plan to visit the North or West Slope. For the North Slope, stay in Erdaobaihe Town. For the West Slope, stay in the Wanda International Resort Area, Songjianghe Town, or Luneng Resort. Songjianghe Town has great value and convenient transportation, while Wanda and Luneng offer better vacation-style experiences, including easy access to both Changbai Mountain and ski activities.

Orange Hotel (Changbai Mountain Erdaobaihe Branch)

Orange Hotel (Changbai Mountain Erdaobaihe Branch)
  • Location: Erdaobaihe Town, ideal for visiting the North Slope
  • Price per night: 400 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

Located near the North Slope Visitor Center, about a ten-minute walk away. Restaurants, supermarkets, and a local market are all nearby, making it convenient for travelers.

Rooms are clean, bathrooms are well designed with dry–wet separation, and the overall facilities are complete. With newer renovations, it offers excellent value.

Crowne Plaza Resort Changbaishan Hot Spring

Crowne Plaza Resort Changbaishan Hot Spring
  • Location: Erdaobaihe Town, ideal for visiting the North Slope
  • Price per night: 1,997 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.8
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, gym, indoor pool, family rooms

The hotel enjoys a prime location near the North Slope, making it easy to reach nearby attractions. It sits within a beautiful forested environment, perfect for relaxation.

Excellent service, including shuttle service from the high-speed railway station. The VIP access to the scenic transfer area saves significant queue time. Rooms meet the high standards of Crowne Plaza.

Legaomei Hot Spring Resort Hotel

Legaomei Hot Spring Resort Hotel
  • Location: Songjianghe Town
  • Price per night: 262 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 8.5
  • Special Amenities: Indoor pool, family rooms, four-person rooms

Conveniently located near the West Slope Visitor Center, about a ten-minute walk. Many dining options are available nearby.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and cleanliness is well maintained. As an older hotel, some facilities show age, but the value for the price is excellent.

Changbai Mountain Pool West Wanda Yuehua Loft Hotel

Changbai Mountain Pool West Wanda Yuehua Loft Hotel
  • Location: Songjianghe Town
  • Price per night: 802 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 8.8
  • Special Amenities: Family rooms

Superb location, only a few minutes’ walk to the West Slope Visitor Center. Many dining options are nearby.

Rooms are spacious. Although facilities are older, cleanliness is well maintained, and essential amenities are available.

Changbai Mountain Wanda Yue Hotel

Changbai Mountain Wanda Yue Hotel
  • Location: Wanda Resort Area
  • Price per night: 867 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.2
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, gym, hot spring, family rooms

Located inside the Wanda Resort with convenient transportation. The resort provides free sightseeing trains and shared electric vehicles, making it easy to explore.

The hotel offers complete facilities, including a gym, yoga room, hot spring, and water park. Activities like cable cars, lake cruises, biking, and skiing are also available.

The Westin Changbaishan Resort

The Westin Changbaishan Resort
  • Location: Wanda Resort Area
  • Price per night: 1,820 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.0
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, gym, indoor pool, hot spring, family rooms, four-person rooms

Located in a peaceful area of the resort, with stunning autumn scenery. Its location makes it easy to reach cable cars, the water park, and dining options.

Although the hotel has been around for years, the facilities are well maintained. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with full amenities. Breakfast is also good.

How to Get from Changchun to Changbai Mountain

If you plan to visit the North Slope, take the high-speed train plus a bus. For the West Slope, a tourist bus is the best option.

High-Speed Train + Bus/Taxi

If you’re heading to the North Slope, the high-speed train is the most convenient choice. After arriving at Changbaishan Station, turn right at the exit and walk up the stairs. You’ll find Buses No. 1 and No. 3 waiting, both going to the North Slope Visitor Center. A taxi takes about 15 minutes and costs 24 CNY.

  • Train duration: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Train cost: 128 CNY
  • Train route: Changchun → Changbaishan
  • Train tickets: Click to buy

Tourist Bus

If you’re heading to the West Slope, take the tourist bus from downtown Changchun. It goes straight to the West Slope Visitor Center. You can take the same bus back.

  • Ticket purchase: WeChat public account “吉林省景区直通车”
  • Pick-up point: West Gate Parking Lot of Changchun World Sculpture Park (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Departure times: Two departures daily at 8:00 and 14:00
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Cost: 60 CNY

How to Get from Changbai Mountain Airport to Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain Airport sits near the West Slope, but public transportation is limited. Taxis are common, though not always easy to find. If you’re going to your hotel first, contact the hotel to see whether they provide an airport pick-up service. If not, they can often help arrange a car. If you want to go directly to the West Slope, you can head to the West Slope Visitor Center near the town area or take a taxi to the Baixi Visitor Center.

FAQ

North Slope or West Slope?

If you’re traveling with family or want a more relaxing trip, choose the North Slope. If you want to feel the raw and rugged side of Changbai Mountain, choose the West Slope.

Where to Store Luggage?

The visitor centers offer free luggage storage, and even large suitcases can be stored safely.