Changbai Mountain Underground Forest (长白山地下森林)

The Changbai Mountain Underground Forest, known in Chinese as the Underground Forest or Gorge Forest, is a sunken canyon on the North Slope of Changbai Mountain in Antu County, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province. The gorge lies below the surrounding plateau and is filled with dense old-growth woodland, so that from the rim the treetops appear to sit at ground level and the forest looks as if it grows underground. The canyon was carved by volcanic and erosional processes, and the setting has a quiet, sheltered, cool atmosphere that contrasts with the exposed volcanic terrain nearby.

The experience is a gentle nature walk rather than a spa treatment. Boardwalks lead visitors down through the canyon forest, where tall conifers and mixed broadleaf trees filter the light and the air is noticeably fresh. Forest bathing, slow walking and photography are the main activities, and the site is often paired with the nearby hot springs and waterfall as a calm complement to the more dramatic volcanic sights. There are no therapists, treatment rooms, pools or saunas, and the wellness value lies in quiet, clean air and movement.

Entry is included with the Changbai Mountain North Slope park ticket, which costs about CNY 100 to 125 in peak season, and no separate reservation is needed. A visit typically takes one to two hours, and the park generally opens from about 8AM to 5PM during the open season, with seasonal variation that should be verified. The North Slope is a protected scenic area, and access in winter may be limited by snow and road closures, so visitors should check conditions before travelling.

The boardwalk is generally well maintained, but includes stairs and some uneven sections, and the descent and return can be tiring for those with limited mobility. Sturdy footwear is advisable, and visitors should carry water and a light jacket, as the canyon is cooler and damper than the plateau above. Because the site lies inside a protected area, visitors are expected to stay on the boardwalk, avoid littering and refrain from picking plants. Early morning visits are quietest, before tour groups arrive from Erdaobaihe.