22℃ Summer is Back in Changbai Mountain! First-Time Visitor Tips...

Summer in Changbai Mountain is cooled by 22℃ breezes. Forests, Heaven Lake, and streams hide in lush greenery, where even the air carries the fragrance of plants. This guide helps you avoid crowds and discover Changbai Mountain's summer secrets at a leisurely pace. 1. Transportation Options: Choose the Most Convenient Route - By Air: Changbai Mountain Airport is close to the West Slope—just a 15-minute taxi to Songjianghe Town. For those combining a trip to Yanji, fly into Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport first, then take a tourist bus (about 2.5 hours) directly to Erdaobaihe Town at the foot of the North Slope, enjoying Yanbian's rice fields along the way. - By High-Speed Rail: Changbai Mountain Station is the nearest high-speed rail stop. A 20-minute taxi ride takes you to Erdaobaihe, convenient for the North Slope. From Changchun, take a 2-hour high-speed rail to Dunhua, then transfer to a 1.5-hour bus to Changbai Mountain—ideal for scenic travelers. - By Car: Summer roads are smooth. From Changchun, take the He-Da Expressway for a 4-hour direct route to the West Slope. From Yanji, the Yan-Pu Expressway takes 2.5 hours to the North Slope, with charging stations at rest areas for worry-free driving. 2. Where to Stay? Pick Based on Your Slope - North Slope: Erdaobaihe Town is the top choice, with many homestays (¥150-300/night). A 10-minute walk to Meiren Song Park offers serene morning strolls. Opt for a homestay with a courtyard—enjoy BBQ evenings while listening to local stories. - West Slope: Songjianghe Town or Wanda Resort. Songjianghe offers great value (¥100-200/night) and authentic cold noodles. Wanda Resort is perfect for relaxation, with pools, lawns, and sunset views over Changbai Mountain's peaks. - South Slope: Stay in Changbai Korean Autonomous County, 30 minutes from the South Slope. Experience Korean-style homestays, fresh rice cakes, and even learn Gayageum dances. 3. Summer Must-Do List: Avoid the Crowds - Heaven Lake: Summer offers better visibility than winter, especially on clear July-August days. The North Slope's shuttle takes you directly to the viewpoint—no hiking, great for families. The West Slope requires climbing 1,442 gentle steps with rest stops, rewarding you with panoramic views of the lake reflecting clouds. Bring a light jacket—it's windy up top! - Changbai Waterfall & Julong Hot Springs: Twin waterfalls cascade from Heaven Lake, creating a misty summer spectacle. Below, Julong Hot Springs bubble at 83℃—try the soft-boiled hot spring eggs (¥10/3), with pudding-like whites and runny yolks. - Green Deep Pool & Small Heaven Lake: The emerald-green pool has a 15-minute wooden boardwalk loop, where sunlight dances on the water. Small Heaven Lake hides in dense forest, with lotus-covered ponds perfect for vintage photos. - Underground Forest: A 3km wooden trail winds through ancient forests, with thick pine needles underfoot and towering trees overhead. The endpoint is a "subsidence zone" where trees cling to cliffs—a 1.5-hour cool adventure. - New Activities: Try mountain biking at Changbai Mountain Luneng Resort (¥50/hour) or visit Neyin Ancient City for Manchu cultural scenes, ending with sunset views over the Hun River. 4. What to Eat? Mountain Fresh Delicacies - Erdaobaihe Town: - "Kimdari Cold Noodles": Hand-pressed noodles with kimchi and soft-boiled eggs in chilled buckwheat broth (¥25/person). - "Wild Herb Buns": Filled with local greens, paired with millet porridge—a ¥10 breakfast staple. - Songjianghe Town: - "Old Place Stew": Forest frog stew (confirm price) with cornbread, or savory free-range chicken stew (¥60/person). - Street-side "Rice Cake Stalls": Freshly pounded cakes with soybean flour (¥5/snack). - In Scenic Areas: Pack beef jerky or boiled corn. Refill at marked mountain springs—cooler than any drink! 5. 5-Day Itinerary: Unhurried Exploration - Day 1: Arrive in Erdaobaihe Check into a homestay, stroll through Meiren Song Park, and enjoy BBQ at Baihe Night Market. - Day 2: North Slope Full Day Enter early for Heaven Lake, then visit waterfalls, hot springs, and Green Deep Pool. Return for cold noodles. - Day 3: North to West Slope Morning at Underground Forest, lunch with wild herb buns, then taxi to Songjianghe (2 hours). - Day 4: West Slope + Neyin Ancient City Visit Heaven Lake and Grand Canyon, then Manchu performances at Neyin, ending with stew. - Day 5: Departure Buy pine nuts as souvenirs before heading to the airport/station. Tips: - Book tickets (North Slope ¥225, West Slope ¥214) one day in advance via the official platform—ID entry only. - Sunscreen is a must (strong UV); wear non-slip shoes for dewy trails. - Ignore "shortcut guides" at entrances—stick to official routes. Changbai Mountain's summer isn’t about rushed check-ins—it’s the plant-scented breezes and cloud reflections on the lake. Take it slow to embrace the cool beauty.