One-Day Express Tour of Laolike Lake & Changbai Mountain North Slope

8:00 Depart from Erdaobaihe, carpool round trip 80 RMB/person 9:00-12:00 Laolike Lake [Route] The scenic area is divided into the post station and the lake center as two landmarks, passing through the post station to the lake center. Personally, I think it’s unnecessary to go all the way to the lake center because it’s just a snowy flat area, and the journey is much longer. [Scenery] Basically just snowy forest (no rime on the day, so the scenery was quite ordinary). The scenery halfway and the full route are about the same. Personally, I don’t highly recommend this spot; it feels like many photos are misleading. It should be beautiful if there is rime. [Transportation] The round trip is divided into four parts by the post station and lake center: 1️⃣ Off-road vehicle: 3/4 of the route (298 RMB/person), 2/4 of the route (218 RMB/person) 2️⃣ Horse-drawn sled: not operating that day 3️⃣ Full hike: If walking only, I think going to the post station is enough—saves money, time, and effort, and you still see most of the scenery 4️⃣ Summary: ① Hiking round trip to the post station saves time, effort, and money! You can see the scenery you need to see ② If you’re in a hurry, you must take the off-road vehicle... We took the 298 RMB package and finished the tour in about 2.5 hours. 13:30-16:00 Changbai Mountain North Slope Because the Tianchi (Heaven Lake) was closed that day, some felt Laolike Lake was stunning, while others said it wasn’t worth going without Tianchi, so we didn’t plan to visit the scenic area. Unexpectedly, we had enough time, so we rushed over. [Route] The shuttle bus in the scenic area takes you to the foot of the mountain (about 50 minutes), then after touring, the return bus takes you to Green Pool, Valley Forest, and Small Tianchi; the mountain is very beautiful, but remember to reserve time for the return spots! [Time] It’s recommended to enter early!! We were the last group entering at 13:30 and came out at 16:00 when it was already dark, so we didn’t visit Green Pool and Small Tianchi, which was quite regrettable. [Scenery] It’s really much more beautiful than Laolike Lake!!! Even if Tianchi is closed, it’s still very beautiful! Finally 1️⃣ Don’t trust the private car drivers’ recommendations; we met too many along the way who just want you to buy tickets from them and say whatever without caring about the facts. 2️⃣ Don’t have temperature anxiety, and don’t listen to the aunties at the scenic entrance telling you to rent clothes and protective gear because you’re underdressed; ① Upper wear: I wore a long down coat + sweater + two cashmere sweaters + thermal underwear, which was a bit too warm and made me sweat while walking. Normally, two sweaters inside are enough. ② Lower wear: It’s recommended to wear thermal fleece pants. I wore thermal underwear + regular pants and was almost freezing. No matter how thick your socks are, you must cover your ankles, or the cold wind will get in. ③ Shoes: Don’t casually buy snow boots from the scenic area or delivery; they get wet very easily. It’s recommended to buy heated insoles, which can be a lifesaver in critical moments. ④ Ear muffs + hat + gloves + thick mask are must-haves.