Changbai Mountain North Slope and Tianchi (长白山)

Changbai Mountain North Scenic Area (长白山北景区) is located at Erdaobaihe Town, Antu County, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, China, about 380 km south-east of Changchun by rail. The North Slope is the most popular entrance to the volcanic massif on the border with North Korea and gives access to Tianchi (Heaven Lake), the crater lake at the summit, as well as Changbai Waterfall and hot springs. From Changchun, a high-speed train to Changbaishan station takes about 2.5 hours (fastest about 2 hours 18 minutes), with 14 trains daily over 378 km; services to Changbaishan West take 2.5 to 3 hours. From the station a car or shuttle costs about ¥100-200 and takes 30 to 60 minutes to the North Slope gate. A flight from Changchun to Changbaishan airport takes about one hour. Costs include entry of about ¥105, a sightseeing bus of about ¥85 and a main-peak bus of about ¥80. North Slope hours are about 07:00 to 15:00 from May to October and 08:30 to 14:30 from November to April. Because the train and road legs take about three hours each way, a same-day return leaves very little time at the summit, so an overnight stay is strongly advised. A common plan is to arrive the first afternoon, stay in Erdaobaihe, enter the park early the next morning, take the buses to the main-peak car park, then walk or ride to the Tianchi viewing area and visit the waterfall and hot springs before heading back. Weather at the summit changes quickly, and clouds frequently hide the lake, so patience and flexibility help. The best period is June to September, with September often regarded as the clearest month; the summit road may be closed by snow outside that window. Warm layers, rain protection and sturdy shoes are needed even in summer. Food is available at stalls and restaurants in Erdaobaihe, and visitors often carry snacks into the park.