Heaven Lake Shore (天池)

Heaven Lake, known in Chinese as Tianchi, is a volcanic crater lake in the Changbai Mountain North Scenic Area near Erdaobaihe, Antu County, in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin province. It lies at about 2,189 metres on the border between China and North Korea and covers roughly 9.8 square kilometres. This is a viewing shore, not a swimming beach: the rim and platforms look down on very cold, deep, intensely blue water, and swimming or touching the water is not permitted inside the nature reserve. The surroundings are bare volcanic slopes and summit peaks rather than sand or pebbles, and the site is fully exposed, so wind, cold and sudden cloud or fog are common even in summer. The lake is ice-covered from about mid-October to mid-June, which shortens the season for clear views. The atmosphere is that of a major national nature attraction, busy with tour groups and independent visitors in peak summer, and it is a destination for scenery and photography rather than surf, family bathing or nightlife. Facilities at the summit area include viewing platforms, toilets and shelters at the summit car park, and park shuttle buses that carry visitors up from the base. Hot spring resorts at the base of the mountain offer a place to relax after the visit. Food and other services are limited at the top, so visitors usually bring snacks and extra layers. Access is by road: the site lies about 270 kilometres from Yanji, a drive of 3.5 to 4 hours, and many visitors hire a car with driver to Erdaobaihe, then take the park shuttle to the summit for roughly CNY 80-90. Weather decides what is visible, because cloud can hide the lake completely, so flexible plans improve the chance of a clear view. June to September is the main window when the road and platforms are open and temperatures are tolerable, although conditions can change quickly and park access may be restricted for safety. Warm, windproof clothing is advisable even in midsummer.