5 stars! Changbai Mountain, bringing paradise on earth to life! ✨
As a must-visit sacred mountain in Northeast China, this trip to Changbai Mountain completely overturned my understanding of natural beauty, leaving me speechless with awe! We chose the classic route of the North Slope + West Slope, which allowed us to easily visit the core attractions while unlocking different perspectives of the magnificent Tianchi Lake, making for a truly immersive experience.
The North Slope truly lived up to its reputation, with superb facilities, making it perfect for traveling with my parents! After taking the scenic area bus and transferring to a shuttle bus, experiencing the speed and excitement on the winding mountain road, Tianchi Lake on the main peak suddenly came into view—the azure lake surface, like a precious mirror left behind by God, is embedded among the peaks, pure and without a trace of impurity. All my previous expectations were fulfilled at that moment. After descending the mountain, we visited Changbai Waterfall, where the roar of the water could be heard from afar. The frozen waterfall in winter was even more spectacular. The Julong Hot Spring Group emitted steaming vapors; be sure to try the hot spring-boiled eggs—the egg whites were tender, and the yolks were runny—a unique delicacy of Changbai Mountain. The Green Abyss Pool's waters were crystal clear and turquoise, dotted with waterfalls, reminiscent of "Little Jiuzhaigou." Hiking on the wooden boardwalk in the underground forest, the air was filled with negative ions, making even the air feel sweet.
The experience on the West Slope was completely different. Climbing the 1442 steps was challenging, but reaching the summit was absolutely worth it! The view of Tianchi Lake here was the most expansive and complete, an unobstructed panoramic vista that took our breath away. In summer, wildflowers blanketed the mountains, creating a sea of blossoms; in autumn, the forests were ablaze with vibrant colors—every snapshot was a wallpaper-worthy image. The volcanic lava landforms of the Jinjiang Grand Canyon, with their bizarre rock formations, showcased the wonders of nature.
For transportation, I recommend taking the high-speed train to Changbaishan Station. From there, it's a 20-minute taxi ride to the North Slope entrance – excellent value for money! For accommodation, I chose Erdaobaihe Town, which is convenient for food and drinks. In the evening, you can stroll along the Thousand Paper Crane Street and the Beautiful Pine Park, making it super convenient to visit the scenic area the next day. A small reminder: Tickets and shuttle buses must be booked online in advance, especially for the South Slope where there are limited capacity and tickets need to be booked quickly. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so remember to bring warm clothing, rain gear, and sun protection.
Whether it's the mystery of Tianchi Lake, the grandeur of the waterfalls, the healing power of the hot springs, or the tranquility of the forest, Changbaishan heals all fatigue with its purest scenery. This trip to the "Oriental Alps" was absolutely worthwhile, and I'm already looking forward to coming back next winter for skiing, rime ice viewing, and rafting!