Written by Natalia |
Changbai Mountain lies in Chinaās northeastern Jilin Province, on the border between China and North Korea. Itās a world-class dormant volcano with the highest peak of 2,691 meters above sea level. What makes it unique are the awe-inspiring natural landscapes highlighted by the stunning Heavenly Lake, waterfalls, hot springs, and underground forest.
This is far beyond a mountain – itās regarded as a sacred ancestral homeland by various ethnic groups, especially the Manchus. During the Qing Dynasty, when the Manchus rose to power, Changbai Mountain had been preserved by imperial prohibition for nearly 300 years. Therefore, it remains some of the most primeval plants and can be compared to an ecological textbook from the mountain foot to the summit.
Changbai MountainĀ is always on the bucket list of adventurous hikers. In this travel guide, weāll offer you the most comprehensive tips for planning a trip to Changbai Mountain in winter. Please keep reading!
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- Why Visit Changbaishan Mountain in Winter? – Distinct Winter Highlights
- Best Time to Visit Changbaishan Mountain
- What to Do When Visiting Changbai Mountain in Winter?
- How to Get to Changbaishan Mountain?
- What to Pack for a ChangbaiĀ Mountain Winter Trip?
- Where to Stay at Changbaishan Mountain?
- How Many Days to Plan for the Changbaishan Trip?
- Travel Tips for Changbaishan Mountain
- Have a Winter Adventure to Changbai Mountain with China Xian Tour
Why Visit Changbaishan Mountain in Winter? – Distinct Winter Highlights
- Top-notch natural ski resorts:Exceptional snowfall suitable for skiing, snow tubing, off-roading, and snowmobile.
- Magnificent winter wonders:A world of ice and fire composed of frozen Heavenly Lake, ice waterfalls, and steaming hot springs.
- Unique winter activities:Hike through the snow valley; soak in the outdoor hot springs amid ice and snow; ride a rubber raft on the ice-free river and admire the rimes along both banks; enjoy snow sculptures, parades, and firework performances.
- Charming local traditions and food:Stay on the warm brick bed; try sugarcoated haws on a stick; savor delicious iron pot stew.
Best Time to Visit Changbaishan Mountain
Summer and autumn (from June to October) are undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Changbai Mountain. In summer, the climate is cool, making it a good place to escape the heat. Autumn brings colorful foliage throughout the mountain, witnessing the most stunning scenery of a year.
Itās also listed among the best places to go in China in winter. Starting from mid-November, Changbaishan thrives again with crowds of tourists coming here for winter sports and wonders. It is also popular for travelers to combine their Harbin tourĀ with a visit to Changbaishan.
Each season offers its distinctive views. Here we list the differences. You can decide which month to visit depending on your personal preferences.
Season |
Month |
Weather/Temperature |
Highlights |
Spring |
April ā May |
-10Ā°C to 5Ā°C
Ice and snow are melting, leading to muddy roads; strong winds and unpredictable weather. |
Less tourists; enjoy the sea of alpine azaleas |
Summer |
June ā August |
5Ā°C to 15Ā°C
Cool, rainy, and foggy. |
A summer retreat; immerse oneself in the alpine gardens; best time for forest trekking, rafting and camping. |
Autumn |
September ā October |
-5Ā°C toĀ 10Ā°C
Sunny and dry, with significant temperature drop from day to night. |
Splendid autumn colors; golden season for photography; easy to see the Heavenly Lake. |
Winter |
November ā March |
-40Ā°C toĀ -20Ā°C
Severe cold, frequent snowstorms, and strong winds. |
World-class ski resort; a wonderland characterized by the frozen Heavenly Lake, rimes, icefalls and soothing hot springs. |
Recommended tour
What to Do When Visiting Changbai Mountain in Winter?
Visit the Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
The Heavenly Lake, a crown jewel on Changbai mountain, is the worldās highest crater lake. It’s a witness to the strong power deep within the earth.The deepest part can reach 373 meters below ground. Locals say that some unknown creatures live under the water, giving the lake a sense of mystery. On clear days without wind, the lake water presents a deep pure blue color, like a sapphire nestled between snow-capped peaks.
Actually, whether you can see the real appearance of the Heavenly Lake is a matter of luck. As the weather on Changbai Mountain can change from clear skies to dense fog within minutes, the Heavenly Lake is elusive. Itās shrouded in clouds and mist for more than 200 days a year! Therefore, itās essential to take advantage of the window from mid-September to early October, when you have a big chance to see the Heavenly Lake.
Travel tips:Ā In winter, the frozen Heavenly Lake is like a blue mirror, exuding a solemn tranquil feeling. Itās always why tourists come to Changbaishan. But you may not be able to see the full view of the lake impacted by the changeable weather. For a better and clearer view, visit on a sunny day and reach the lake in the early morning.
- Ticket:Covered by the entrance fee of Changbai Mountain Scenic Area – CNY 305 for the north slope; CNY 230 for the west slope; and CNY 210 for the south slope (including all the internal sightseeing bus fare).
- How to get to:Tourists can access the Heavenly Lake through the north, south, and west slopes.
North slope:Ā from Erdao Baihe Town, take an official shuttle bus at the north visitor center to the mountain gate. Then hop on the eco-friendly bus to the hillside. At last, take an off-road vehicle (or snowmobile in winter) to the sightseeing platform of the Heavenly Lake.
West slope:Ā take a shuttle bus from the west visitor center in Songjianghe Town and arrive at the mountain gate. Then transfer to the eco-friendly bus. It will drop you off at a point where you need to hike up 1,442 steps to reach the viewing platform. During winter, the steps may be closed, and you can alternatively take a snowmobile.
South slope:Ā charter a car from Changbai County to the south slope entrance of Changbai Mountain. Then take the eco-friendly bus directly to the viewing platform.
Have an Adventurous Hiking
A hike through the trails on Changbai Mountain is full of excitement. As the scenic area is quite large, visitors usually select one of the three slopes for a short trek. They have different entrances and require separate tickets.
TheĀ north slope is the most popularĀ choice for its well-developed paths and improved facilities. Along the way, you will pass by many of the noted spots like waterfalls, hot springs, Green Abyss Pond, and an underground forest.
The west slope costs more effortĀ as you need to climb 1,442 stepsĀ from the parking lot to the viewing platform. If travelling in summer, the alpine flower sea will surely catch your eyes.
The south slope hasnāt been developed as long, so the scenery retains much of its original, wild beauty. On clear days, you may even see the fortresses and towers of North Korea.
Which slope to choose?
Slope |
Pros |
Cons |
Visiting Route |
North Slope |
Can be accessed by bus; well-developed with better infrastructure; diverse attractions. |
Crowds surge during holidays. |
Entrance ā Underground Forest ā Heavenly Lake ā Green Abyss Pond ā Small Heavenly Lake ā Changbai Waterfall ā Hot Spring Square |
West Slope |
Offers the most gorgeous view of the Heavenly Lake; close to luxurious resorts and recreation options. |
Requires a climbing of more than 1,400 steps to reach the Heavenly Lake; in winter, visitors may need to take a snowmobile ride, not friendly to the elderly and kids. |
Entrance ā Heavenly Lake ā Jinjiang Grand Waterfall ā Alpine Garden + Small Heavenly Lake Entrance (only in summer and autumn) ā Exit |
South Slope |
Can be accessed by bus; less commercialized; has the most pristine scenery |
Hard to book; allows entering only from June to September. |
Entrance ā Yalu River Grand Canyon ā Heavenly Lake ā Yuehua Twin Waterfalls ā Exit |
River-rafting in Winter
You may have experienced rafting in summer, but can you imagine a winter rafting? In Changbaishan, this is not strange at all. Thanks to the geothermal energy, the river does not freeze even in harsh cold. This gives visitors an impressive opportunity to feel the joy of rafting. In the morning mist, you seem to have sailed into a magical realm – twisted branches are adorned with sparking rimes, shining like diamonds under the sun. How gorgeous it is!
Currently, the mainstream rafting spots can be found around Changbaishan are the north slope and Lushuihe Forest Park near the west slope. The former is featured by weird postures of branches and narrow riverway, while the latter boasts exceptional clear water and tranquil flow. The night rafting in Lushuihe is worth mentioning for its romantic atmosphere under the starry sky.
- Ticket: CNY 80 – 120 for north slope; CNY 120 – 180 for Lushuihe, and you may need to spend CNY 60 extra on entering the park.
Explore Changbaishan Grand WaterfallĀ / Julong Hot Spring
Changbai Waterfall is like a galloping white dragon, leaping down from a 68-meter-high cliff with a roar echoing through the valley. In winter, the splashing water instantly freezes, and transforms into a huge icefall. Time seems to stand still here, displaying a breathtaking majesty.
Just beside the boardwalk leading to the waterfall, endless heat surges upward from the deep earth, giving birth to the Julong Hot Spring. Itās the largest volcanic hot spring group in Changbai Mountain. Dozens of springs spew hot water of up to 60Ā°CĀ all year round. Donāt forget to taste an hot spring boiled egg (CNY 10 for three ) with a creamy texture. I bet you will love it.
Skiing & Snowboarding
With abundant quality snow, Changbai Mountain is a magnet to enthusiastic skiers. The Changbaishan Ski Resort is about 20 minutes drive from Songjianghe Town. You can find over 10 courses here, with a total length of 10km. Most courses are for intermediate and advanced levels, so they might be challenging for green hands. A cable car can take you to the summit cafe, an excellent spot for taking photos of the opposite snow peak.
- Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Trail Number: more than 10
- Fees: CNY 300 – 400 from Monday to Friday; CNY 400 – 500 at weekends and holidays (including snowboards and boots rental).
- Tip: Beginners do not frustrate! You can find beginner-friendly alternatives at nearby Wanda Resort and Changbaishan Huamei Resort.
Relax at Hot Springs
In the harsh winter, after surfing on the snow, nothing feels better than taking a hot spring bath. Changbai Mountain is an active geological volcanic area. The hot spring water here contains various minerals that are beneficial to human health. It will soon make you warm and comfortable. Except the Julong Hot Spring inside the scenic area (only for viewing purpose), you can enjoy hot spring baths in nearby resorts.
Recommended Hot Spring Resorts:
- Crowne Plaza Resort: free for lodgers.
- Changbai Mountain Landscape International Eco-Exchange Center: around CNY 270
- Linxi Volcanic Hot Springs: CNY 268
- Wanda Resort: free for lodgers.
- Changbaishan Huamei Resort: free for lodgers.
Enjoy Local Food
Anyone wouldnāt want to miss the authentic food in Changbaishan. The local cuisine well combines northeastern and Korean flavors, particularly suitable for taking a bite in cold seasons. In summer, a bowl of cold buckwheat noodles of Korean style will make you feel cool and refreshed. As local dishes are generally served in large portions, please order less to avoid waste.
Food You Canāt Miss:
- Iron Pot Stew: fish, chicken, pork ribs, or goose, stewed together with other ingredients in a large iron pot.
- Cold Buckwheat Noodles: thin and chewy, paired with cold sweet and sour soup and various vegetables.
- Hot Spring Boiled Eggs: the yolk solidifies while the egg white is translucent jelly like, tastes tender and smooth.
- Korean Barbecue: wrapped in perilla leaves with spicy dipping sauce.
Related reading: What to Eat in Harbin
How to Get to Changbaishan Mountain?
Getting to Changbaishan Mountain is not very easy because there is no train station. It is a vast scenic area standing between Yanbian Prefecture and Baishan City in Jilin Province. Tourists need to fly first to a big city like Beijing and Shanghai from your home country. Then transfer to a surrounding gateway city to Changbaishan. The best options are Changchun and Yanji.
By Flight
The nearest airport is Changbaishan Airport, about 17km from the west slope, 82km from the north slope, and 100km from the south slope. Therefore, itās most recommended if your destination is the west slope. Upon arrival, take a tourist bus or taxi (30min) to Songjianghe Town, where you can take the shuttle bus to the west entrance of Changbai Mountain.
By Train
For north and south slope visits, take a high speed train from Changchun to Changbaishan Station (2.5h, CNY 132). If your destination is west slope, get off at Changbaishan West Station (3h, CNY 168). Upon arrival, take a taxi to the visitor center.
Please note: to go to the south slope, you need to charter a car from Changbaishan Station to Changbai County, and then transfer to the final destination, or directly charter a car from the train station to the south slope.)
Drive from Harbin, Jilin Yanji or Changchun
Itās most convenient if you self-drive. For the north slope, you can drive to Erdao Baihe Town. For the west slope, drive to Songjianghe Town. For the south slope, Changbai County would be ideal as the base town.
What to Pack for a ChangbaiĀ Mountain Winter Trip?
- Warm clothing: Windproof and waterproof long jackets, long down jacket, fleece or sweater, paired with quick drying thermal underwear.
- Boots: High top, non slip, waterproof snow boots.
- Accessories: Wool socks, waterproof velvet gloves, face mask, scarf.
- Electronic Devices: Power bank, camera, cellphone.
- Others: Sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizing cream, snacks, sunscreen, swimming suits (for hot spring bath)…
Where to Stay at Changbaishan Mountain?
Selecting where to stay is critical for planning your Changbai Mountain trip. Which base to choose actually depends on the part of the mountain you are going to explore. Over 90% of tourists choose to stay in Erdao Baihe Town if visiting the north slope. Songjianghe Town and nearby holiday resorts are good options for a west slope tour. If you head to the south slope, stay in Changbai County.
Popular Accommodation Areas:
Area |
Pros |
Cons |
Recommended Hotels |
Erdao Baihe Town |
Close to the north slope and transportation hub; offers various options from budges hotels to high-end resorts; complete supporting facilities. |
Far from the west and south slopes. |
Crowne Plaza Resort, Citigo Hotel |
Songjianghe Town |
Close to the west slope; suitable for ski vacations; well-equipped facilities in holiday resorts such as hot spring and amusement parks. |
The holiday resorts are relatively expensive, while the hotels in Songjianghe Town are more affordable. |
SongjiangheĀ Town Forest Hotel, Wanda Resort, Huamei Resort |
Changbai County |
A must gateway for visiting the south slope. |
Few choices with limited facilities. |
Haofeng Hotel |
How Many Days to Plan for the Changbaishan Trip?
IfĀ youĀ are a first-timer with limited time, we recommend aĀ 3-day itinerary based in ErdaoĀ Baihe Town.You can take a tour in the north slope, and relax yourself in rafting or hot spring bath. This is the choice of most travelers.Ā To experience all three slopes or enjoy skiing, at least 5 days are required.
Sample itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Erdao Baihe Town – Enjoy local food and take a casual stroll
Day 2: A whole day trip in the north slope – Hot spring at night
Day 3: Rime rafting or skiing
Recommended Tour
Travel Tips for Changbaishan Mountain
- Unpredictable weather:The weather in Changbai MountainĀ is changeable, and sudden rain or snow may occur. Itās essential to carry rainĀ gear and warm clothing.Ā Dress in layers to change clothes timely.
- Altitude sickness:Some individuals may experienceĀ altitude sickness. During your visit, avoid strenuous activities and ensure adequate rest and water intake.
- Ticket booking:During peak tourist seasons, tickets can be hard to grasp. It is recommended to book tickets in advance through online
Read also: How to Plan a Winter Trip to China
Have a Winter Adventure to Changbai Mountain with China Xian Tour
If you are still looking for China winter tours, join us to step into the icy wonderland of Changbai Mountain! ChinaXianTourĀ is ready to assist with anything regarding your trip, from accommodation to transportation, at a favorable price! Letās embark on a winter expedition now!
