[2025 Changbai Attraction] Travel Guide for Yalu River Grand Canyon (Updated Jun)

Winter Address: Antu County, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province Opening hours: North/West Slope Scenic Area: Summer (May–October) 7:00–16:30; Winter (November–April) 8:00–16:00 South Slope Scenic Area: Open from June to September, 8:00–15:00 (reservations required in advance) Tickets: North/West Slope: CNY 105 (peak season) + CNY 85 for the eco-bus South Slope: CNY 105 (including the eco-bus) Some winter activities are charged separately (such as skiing and hot springs). Transportation: High-speed train/plane: Arrive at Changbaishan Station (high-speed train) or Changbaishan Airport (fewer flights), and then take a scenic bus or charter a car. Self-driving: For the North Slope, navigate to "Changbaishan North Scenic Area Parking Lot", parking fee is CNY 30/day; for the West Slope, navigate to "Changbaishan West Scenic Area Distribution Center". ## Travel Guide ### 1. Classic North Slope Route Route: North Scenic Area Distribution Center → Tianchi Main Peak (shuttle bus required, CNY 80/person) → Changbai Waterfall → Julongquan Hot Spring (for boiling eggs) → Green Abyss Pool → Underground Forest Highlights: The best observation point for a panoramic view of Tianchi. It is surrounded by clouds and mist in summer and frozen like a mirror in winter. Hot spring eggs are a must-try! CNY 10/bag next to the sulfur spring. The emerald green water of the Green Abyss Pool is perfect for forest-style photos. ### 2. West Slope Alpine Garden Route: West Scenic Area Distribution Center → Tianchi (1,442 steps to climb) → Alpine Garden (flowers bloom in July) → Jinjiang Canyon Highlights: In July, the alpine garden is full of wildflowers, like an oil painting. The volcanic rock landform + primeval forest of Jinjiang Canyon is amazing for aerial photography! ### 3. South Slope Secret Realm Route: South Scenic Area Distribution Center → Tianchi (direct bus, fewer people and wider views) → Yuehua Twin Waterfalls → Yalu River Grand Canyon Highlights: The closest viewing point to Tianchi, with a clear view of the Sino-North Korean border. The colorful Yalu River Grand Canyon is perfect for drone photography. ### 4. Winter Limited Activities: Skiing (Wanda/Luneng Resort), rime rafting (Demon World Scenic Area), snowmobile ride through the forest Tips: It is recommended to go rafting at sunrise, when the mist is like a fairyland. The ski resort is open from December to March. Book your ski equipment package in advance. Equipment recommendations: Windproof jacket, hiking shoes, sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness); in winter, you need a thick down jacket + heat packs! This Changbai Mountain is amazing in all seasons, waiting for you to explore!

1. Changbai Mountain South Slope + Yalu River Borderline (3 Days, 2 Nights) Highlights: Panoramic view of Tianchi Lake, volcanic landforms, Korean ethnic customs, Sino-North Korean border scenery - Day 1: Depart from Changchun/Jilin City, take the Fuchang Expressway to Changbai Mountain South Slope (approx. 4 hours), visit Tianchi Lake and Yalu River Grand Canyon (less fog in summer), and check into a hot spring hotel in Erdaobaihe Town in the evening (reservations required in advance). - Day 2: In the morning, explore Jinjiang Wooden House Village (a 300-year-old traditional Korean village), and in the afternoon, take G331 National Highway to Changbai County. Visit the "Millennium Cliff City" glass viewing platform at night (reservations required) and experience a Korean bonfire party. - Day 3: Changbai County to Ji'an (2 hours), check out the Wandu Mountain City ruins and Ji'an hot pot cuisine, and pass by the Yalu River Broken Bridge on the return trip (ID required). Seasonal limited experiences: - In early summer, the 10,000-mu apple and pear orchard in Ji'an bears fruit, and you can participate in orchard picking (at your own expense); - Encounter wild animals such as roe deer and sables on the hiking trail on the south slope of Changbai Mountain (feeding is prohibited). Safety tips: - The Tianchi Lake area is windy, so it is recommended to wear a windproof jacket; - Some sections of the G331 border highway have no signal, so you need to download an offline map in advance. --- 2. Hulunbuir Grassland + Arxan (4 Days, 3 Nights) Highlights: Grassland horseback riding, volcanic lakes, forest hiking, Mongolian culture - Day 1: Depart from Hailar, cross the Hulunbuir Grassland (the "First Bend of the World" of the Morigele River), arrive at the Erguna Wetland in the evening (warm clothing is required for stargazing), and stay in a Mongolian yurt (with private bathroom). - Day 2: In the morning, explore the Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe (interactive projects require additional payment), and in the afternoon, drive to Arxan (4 hours) to visit Arxan Tianchi Lake and Rhododendron Lake (abundant water in summer). - Day 3: Arxan National Forest Park (Shitanglin, Santanxia), head to Xin Barag Left Banner in the evening to experience the grassland Nadam bonfire party (bring mosquito repellent). - Day 4: On the return trip, pass by Hulun Lake (you can participate in the fishermen's fishing experience during the opening season) and end the trip. Safety tips: - Confirm whether the grassland chartered tour includes horse riding insurance; - The area around Arxan Tianchi Lake is slippery, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes. --- 3. Jingpo Lake - Underground Forest - Hengdaohezi (3 Days, 2 Nights) Highlights: Volcanic barrier lake, primeval forest, relics of the China Eastern Railway - Day 1: Depart from Mudanjiang, visit the Diaoshuilou Waterfall in Jingpo Lake (increased cruise frequency in summer), take a boat to explore the lake-center island, and stay in a lakeside homestay (it is recommended to choose a room type with kitchen facilities). - Day 2: Go to the Underground Forest (Xiaobeihu National Forest Park), hike the volcanic lava landform, visit the Hengdaohezi Locomotive Depot in the afternoon (free admission), and stay overnight in a century-old Russian-style town. - Day 3: Hengdaohezi to Snow Town (summer hiking trail), cross the forest canyon, and pass by Dunhua Liudingshan on the return trip (the Golden Buddha needs to be reserved). Safety tips: - Keep quiet when observing fireflies in the Underground Forest, and do not use strong flashlights; - There are occasional showers in Snow Town in summer, so be prepared with portable rain gear. --- 4. G331 National Highway Dandong - Changbai Mountain Section (4 Days, 3 Nights) Highlights: Border highway, Sino-North Korean-Russian cross-border scenery, island wetlands - Day 1: Gather in Dandong, visit the Yalu River Broken Bridge (ID card required), and in the evening, take G331 to Lvjiang Village in Kuandian (sunny days are required to photograph the "submerged land"), and stay in a riverside homestay. - Day 2: Lvjiang Village → Ji'an (3 hours), explore Wandu Mountain City (free), General's Tomb, Ji'an hot pot for dinner (recommended local restaurants), and stay overnight on the Yalu River. - Day 3: Ji'an → Changbai Mountain South Slope (4 hours), visit Tianchi Lake and Yuehua Forest Belt, and stay in Erdaobaihe Town. - Day 4: Changbai Mountain North Slope Underground Forest → Return to Shenyang/Changchun (passing by Dunhua Zhengjue Temple). Safety tips: - Parking and photography are prohibited in the rapeseed flower sea area of the Dandong section of G331; - There are occasional wild animals on the hiking trail on the north slope of Changbai Mountain, so keep a safe distance.

The ten-year appointment with Changbai Mountain, I’m finally here! I was very lucky and I got the ticket to the south slope of Changbai Mountain right away. The first group entered the park and went up the mountain. The weather was fine and we successfully saw Tianchi! I met a very cute sightseeing bus driver. He explained to us that there is a section of the road on the way up the mountain that belongs to 🇰🇵's territory. It was a special experience to travel abroad in just five minutes. We chose the southern slope of Changbai Mountain because it has been developed for a relatively short time. It can ensure that everyone can take their own photo of Tianchi life. But the lens cannot record the shock felt by the eyes. The lake at that time was like a piece of reflective glass, showing different shades of blue. So beautiful! The blue color of Tianchi Lake will be different under different light and clouds. Attractions: There are three main attractions on the south slope, and the tour route is: Tianchi-Yuehua Twin Waterfalls-Yalu River Grand Canyon. The tour takes about 3 to 4 hours. It takes about an hour to get to Tianchi by car, and the overall journey is much bumpier than the north slope. So if you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended to bring motion sickness patches. In addition, it is recommended to wear sunglasses, otherwise it may be difficult to open your eyes due to the strong light on Tianchi. It should be noted that the number of people on the South Slope is limited to 2,000 per day. The gate opens at 8:00 am and ticket checking stops at 1:00 pm.

Travelers from Ningbo and Wuhan, the wind from Changbai Mountain has brought you news of a new route, and a dream of traveling to the snow country has a closer path. This silver-white holy land hides the poetry and mystery of the peak of the northeast. ⛱️Must-see attractions: Changbai Mountain Tianchi, a fairy lake like a mirror lying on the top of the mountain, reflecting the sky and clouds in the embrace of the peaks; Changbai Waterfall, like a hanging Milky Way, the ice waterfall spectacle adds a touch of beauty in the cold winter; Lvyuantan, with its emerald green color, is like a jade eye in the mountains. 🌄Travel tips: You can first go to the north scenic area of Changbai Mountain, take an eco-friendly car to enjoy the birch forest, and then transfer to a shuttle bus to climb the Tianwen Peak and overlook the Tianchi. Then go to the west scenic area, stroll through the Jinjiang Grand Canyon, and explore the alpine garden (flowering season). In the south scenic area, you can enjoy the Yalu River Grand Canyon and see the China-North Korea boundary marker. 🏨Accommodation tips: Erdaobaihe Town near the north slope, with cozy homestays close to the scenic area, has authentic northeast kang rooms; Songjianghe Town hotels are available on the west slope, convenient for travel; if you want to enjoy the scenery, the resort villas in the scenic area allow you to sleep with the mountain view. 💗Other tips: Winter cold protection equipment is essential, warm baby, thick gloves, and snow boots are indispensable. Book tickets and accommodation in advance, you can choose a hot spring hotel, soak in the hot spring in the ice and snow, wash away the fatigue of the journey, and enjoy the tranquility and magnificence of Changbai.

Girls! Don't miss the hot spring experience when you come to the south slope of Changbai Mountain! This four-day itinerary will take you to explore Changbai Mountain and enjoy a hot spring trip. Save it now! / 🏃Itinerary: Day 1: Shenyang - Changbai Mountain Depart from Shenyang to the mysterious and beautiful Changbai Mountain and get ready for the exciting journey ahead! Meals are not included for the whole day, so you can arrange them according to your taste. Day 2: Changbai Mountain North Slope Scenic Area - Changbai Mountain Tianchi - Changbai Waterfall Visit the Changbai Mountain North Slope Scenic Area and enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. Then, head to Changbai Mountain Tianchi and feel the tranquility and depth of Tianchi. Finally, admire the majestic scenery of Changbai Waterfall and feel the grandeur of the water flow. Day 3: Changbai Mountain South Slope Scenic Area - Changbai Mountain Tianchi - Yalu River Grand Canyon Continue your exploration of Changbai Mountain and head to the South Slope Scenic Area to enjoy different scenery. Visit Tianchi again and admire its beauty from different angles. Then, head to the Yalu River Grand Canyon to explore the depth and mystery of the canyon. Day 4: Changbai Mountain - Shenyang End your pleasant trip to Changbai Mountain and return to Shenyang with full memories and gains, looking forward to the next trip! / Some tips: 🛫Airport transportation: Changbai Mountain Airport buses are convenient, and taxis are also convenient, but the cost is slightly higher. 🎁Specialty prices: Changbai Mountain's specialties such as Ganoderma lucidum and mushrooms are affordable and suitable as souvenirs. 🎉Customs and culture: Don't miss the Mountain God Festival and Ginseng Festival, experience the fun of digging ginseng, and feel the local culture. ☁️Weather changes: Changbai Mountain's weather is changeable, so remember to bring rain gear and warm clothes. 👟Dressing suggestions: The mountain road is rugged, so it is recommended to wear non-slip and wear-resistant hiking shoes to ensure walking safety. 📸Photo check-in: The view of Tianchi is extraordinary, so don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery! / Don't wait, take this guide, the beautiful scenery of the south slope of Changbai Mountain is waiting for you to explore one by one, let's go!