22℃ Forest Oxygen Bar! Unlock the Korean Ethnic Charm of This Border Town

As the treasure destination that has topped China's "Best Small Towns for Deep Breathing" list for three consecutive years, Changbai County boasts 92% forest coverage and an average annual cool temperature of 22℃. The Yalu River meanders through, with the daily life of Hyesan City in North Korea visible across the water. This in-depth summer retreat guide covers routes, cuisine, hidden photo spots, and tips to avoid pitfalls, helping you fully enjoy a refreshing borderland adventure! 📍 Itinerary: 3-Day & 2-Night Highlight Route Day 1: Traverse the Millennium Cliff City, Stay Overnight in a Korean Ethnic Village • Morning: Arrive in Changbai County and head straight to [Millennium Cliff City]. This ancient cliffside town modeled after the Tang Dynasty's Balhae Kingdom offers must-try experiences: ✅ Glass Walkway (hovering mid-air with views of North Korean villages across the Yalu River) ✅ Sky Mirror (best photographed at noon, creating dreamy floating-in-clouds effects) • Afternoon: Join a Korean rice cake-making workshop. At dusk, climb [Jinghu Tower] for sunset views, then capture its gold-tipped silhouette under night lights (prime photography spot!). • Stay at an orchard village homestay: Sleep on traditional Korean heated floors (kang), savor freshly pressed cold noodles + rice wine, and hike the backyard hill at 5 AM for a sea-of-clouds sunrise. Day 2: Visit the National Gate Overlooking North Korea, Hunt for Authentic Flavors • Dawn: Ascend [Tashan Park • Lingguang Pagoda] (Northeast China's only surviving Balhae Kingdom pagoda from the Tang Dynasty). Arrive before 7 AM for rolling cloud seas, capturing panoramic views of Changbai and North Korea. • Noon: Check in at [Changbai Port] to climb the National Gate (¥30), "cross two countries in one step" on Changhui International Bridge, and observe Hyesan's cityscape. • Evening: Stroll along the Yalu River Scenic Belt, photographing the contrast between illuminated shores (North Korea's sparse lights create striking visuals). • Culinary highlights: ✅ Black potato buns (Changbai exclusive! Chewy jet-black wrappers with savory fillings) ✅ Tongjiang Dog Meat Restaurant's dog meat soup (26-year-old shop, warming tonic) ✅ Da Fandian Cold Noodles (50-year state-run legacy, sweet-sour broth with spicy kimchi). Day 3: Volcano Canyon Exploration or Heavenly Lake Pilgrimage • Option A (Local Deep Dive): Drive 50km to [Wangtian'e Canyon], discover columnar jointing cliffs in 15 gullies, and visit the free, lesser-known Sino-North Korea border marker. • Option B (Classic Must-Do): Head to [Changbai Mountain West Slope] (¥190 ticket + eco-bus) for alpine flower fields (July only), Jinjiang Grand Canyon's lava forests, and summit views of Heaven Lake. 🍜 Changbai's Flavors: Unmissable Korean Delicacies • Staple foods: Black buns (Haitanghua Snacks), blood sausage (Good Luck Soybean Paste Soup House), kimchi potato slices (household staple). • Soup royalty: Ginseng chicken soup (stone-pot simmered milky broth), pork spine stew (perfect for chilly days). • Street food kings: Freshly pounded rice cakes (market stalls with soybean powder), sizzling plate beef (Han Xiaoxiang BBQ). Tip: Top 10 eateries cluster around Minzhu Street—¥50/person feasts! 🛏 Accommodation & Transport Guide • Lodging: ✅ Orchard Village Homestays (bookable on Ctrip): Korean-style courtyards + kang beds, ~¥150/night. ✅ Riverside boutique hotels (Yuejing Hotel): Yalu River views from windows, ideal for night photography. • Transport: ✅ Best for self-drive: Rent a car in Changchun → take scenic border highway G331, or 1-hour direct from Changbai Mountain Wanda Resort. ✅ Car-free option: Daily buses from Changchun/Baishan to Changbai County (1-2 departures), with taxi fares starting at ¥8 for local attractions. ⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance & Essentials Checklist 1. Heaven Lake visibility: July-August is prime but foggy! Summit before 8 AM (avoid afternoon clouds). 2. Ticket hacks: Millennium Cliff City combo tickets save money (Glass Walkway + Ferris Wheel + Sky Mirror = ¥99 vs ¥130 separately). West Slope eco-bus is mandatory (¥85)—or hike 15km! 3. Border rules: No photography of North Korean military sites; drones require advance permits. 4. Packing list: Insulated jacket (15℃+ mountain temperature drops), foldable crampons (for slippery Heaven Lake steps), waterproof hiking boots. Cash! Only ICBC/ABC ATMs in town; some shops are cash-only. 💰 Budget Reference (¥1000/person) • Tickets: ¥300 (West Slope + eco-bus, Cliff City combo, port entry) • Lodging: ¥300 (2 nights economy homestay) • Food: ¥400 (3 meals/day + snacks) • Transport: ¥200/person for fuel or ¥100/day carpool. Bonus: Hidden Photo Spots 📸 • Lingguang Pagoda viewpoint: Capture "cloud-wrapped border cities" at dawn. • Cliff City lantern path: Long-exposure shots of dancing starlight and lanterns (tripod needed). • Yalu River night market: Long-exposure shots against North Korean village backdrops.