Don’t just focus on Tianchi Lake—these three slopes of Changbai Mountain offer completely different experiences
“【North Slope】
The earliest developed area with the most attractions, full shuttle service, ideal for elderly and children
Tianchi Lake is the highlight, but you need to buy an additional 80 RMB off-road vehicle ticket to go up the mountain
The Julong Hot Springs are filled with steam; eggs boiled in the hot spring water have a soft yolk with a faint sulfur aroma
Changbai Waterfall is the volcanic lake waterfall with the greatest drop in the world, roaring with the sound of rushing water
The Green Pool (Lvyuan Pond) has emerald green water, like a jade embedded in the mountain
At the end of the Underground Forest trail, you can see the source of the Songhua River; the whole route takes 5-6 hours
【West Slope】
Offers the widest view of Tianchi Lake, allowing you to see the entire lake surface
But you have to climb 1,442 steps, which is a test of stamina
In summer, the alpine garden is full of wildflowers; the iris and Wangchi flower sea are spectacular
Jinjiang Grand Canyon is a fissure left by volcanic eruptions; walking on the plank road through it is very impressive
At the summit, there is a China-North Korea boundary marker, perfect for photos and check-ins
【South Slope】
Least crowded and hardest tickets to get, limited to 1,000 visitors per day
Offers the most complete and direct view of Tianchi Lake
Along the way, you can gaze across the Yalu River to see the scenery of North Korea
Yuehua Twin Waterfalls and the Carbonized Wood Site are special features but only open in summer
Suggested Itinerary
Two days, one night North Slope highlights version
Day 1: Arrive at Erdaobaihe Town, stroll around the town in the afternoon, enjoy Korean cuisine for dinner
Day 2: Early morning enter the North Slope, head straight to Tianchi Lake, then visit the waterfall, hot springs, Green Pool, and Underground Forest; return in the evening
Three days, two nights North + West Slope
Day 1: Stay in Erdaobaihe
Day 2: Spend the whole day on the North Slope, stay overnight in Songjianghe Town
Day 3: Climb the steps on the West Slope to see Tianchi Lake, visit Jinjiang Grand Canyon, return in the afternoon
Must-try Foods
Iron pot stew—goose, ribs, cold water fish, anything can be stewed, with a ring of corn cakes around the pot
Korean cold noodles—buckwheat noodles with ice, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors; a bowl after descending the mountain instantly restores energy
Charcoal grilled meat—local yellow beef sizzling with oil, wrapped in perilla leaves with spicy kimchi for a mouthful
Stone pot bibimbap—soft-boiled egg broken and mixed with wild vegetables and spicy sauce, with crispy scorched rice at the bottom
Practical Tips
Book tickets in advance with real-name registration; during peak season, book 3 days ahead
Tianchi Lake weather is changeable and the mountain often closes temporarily; the best chance to see it is between 8-10 AM
There is a huge temperature difference between the mountain top and bottom; bring a windbreaker or light down jacket even in summer
Umbrellas are not allowed in the scenic area; carry a raincoat
Keep your ID card with you at all times; it is required for entry and transportation
Stay in Erdaobaihe Town for the North Slope, Songjianghe Town or Wanda Resort Area for the West Slope
Take the high-speed train to Changbai Mountain Station (North Slope) or Songjianghe Station (West Slope)”@EnchantNova4 · 4 months ago