A sacred volcano with a sapphire crater lake and the border with Korea.
Changbai Mountain is the sacred volcano of the Manchu people and the source of the Yalu and Tumen rivers that mark the border with Korea. At its summit sits Heaven Lake, a near-circular crater lake of unreal blue.
The slopes are a national reserve of waterfalls, hot springs and primeval forest — and in winter, a growing ski destination.
Here are the highlights worth your time in Changbai.
The volcanic crater lake — weather permitting, the star sight.
Tickets ¥105 + shuttleA 68 m fall fed by the lake, thunderous in summer.
IncludedVolcanic hot springs at the mountain's foot.
Bathing ¥80+A 'underground forest' in a lava ravine.
IncludedAn emerald pool beneath cliffs.
IncludedA quieter ascent with alpine meadows.
Tickets ¥105Changbai has its own kitchen — here are the dishes to try.
The regional staple, iced and tangy.
Fermented cabbage, a border-region side.
Meat and veg slow-cooked in a cast-iron pot.
Forest mushrooms foraged in season.
Eggs slow-cooked in the volcanic springs.
Hot-spring resorts after hours.
Resort bonfires in season.
Clear mountain skies.
Baishan (NBS) airport serves the mountain.
High-speed to Changbai Mountain station (new line).
Park shuttles to the slopes.
Works in the resort towns.
Coaches from Yanji and Changchun.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Three good bases:
Stay and soak at the base.
Closest to Heaven Lake.
Quiet, in the reserve edge.
Hikers, hot-spring lovers, nature photographers.
