Changbai Mountain: Top Sights, Best Time & Travel Route

Changbai Mountain is a dormant mountain that's one of the most impressive natural wonders in China. Also known as Changbai Shan, it's full of incredible peaks, crystal-clear crater lakes, and basalt highlands. Read on to learn why this magical spot needs to be on your must-visit list.

A popular photo location on Changbai Mountain

Changbai Shan Travel Essentials

Long-distance view of Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain is in Jilin Province in Northeast China on the Chinese and North Korean border. It's accessible by both domestic air travel and train, and you'll need one full day to explore and appreciate it fully. We recommend this experience for people who love nature, hikers, and those interested in winter sports.

• Tickets and Fees:
  Entrance fee (adults): 105 RMB, children under 1.2 meters get in free.
  Entrance fee of Tianchi Lake: 80 RMB; Please note this site is often closed during winter and will only be opened to tourists when the weather is good.
• Shuttle bus fee: 85 RMB
• Open time:

Slope	Season	Time Range	Suggested Duration
West Slope	May – Oct (Summer)	7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.	3-4 hours
	Nov – Apr (Winter)	8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
North Slope	May – Oct (Summer)	7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.	6-8 hours
	Nov – Apr (Winter)	8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Best Time to Visit Changbai Shan

Changbai Shan is gorgeous all year round, but the best times to visit are the fall, when you can see the beautiful changing of the leaves, and winter, when there's spectacular skiing on the slopes.

Additionally, you can see wildflowers blooming in the spring and summer months, particularly on the West Slope. These months are also an excellent time to hike to the Changbai Waterfall and offer balmy, pleasant temperatures that are perfect for outdoor exploring.

Top Things To Do in Changbai Mountain

Once you get to Changbai Mountain, there's plenty to do and see. We've put together a list of some top highlights below.

Visit the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area

Hiking in Changbai Mountain forest

This area features the highest peak of Changbai Mountain, which is a full 2,691 meters tall, and the stunning aquamarine blue Tianchi Lake, also known as Heaven Lake. You'll also find the Changbai Grand Waterfall, a 68-meter falls that's particularly impressive in the summer, and Julong Hot Springs, volcano-fed mineral springs that are a lovely place to sit and meditate. You'll also enjoy the dense, old-growth forest that dominates the Changbai Scenic Area and makes it an excellent place to hike and explore.

Go Skiing

Ski resort landscape in Changbai Mountain

The winter months are a fabulous time to hit the slopes at Changbai Mountain. This area has four resorts: Huamei Sanctuary Ski Resort, Hong Song Wang Ski Resort, Heping Ski Resort, and Wanda Changbaishan Ski Resort. Each one is different and offers slopes for every skill and difficulty level, so beginners, experts, and everyone in between will find something to suit them. Plus, the ski season stretches from November to April.

Enjoy Outdoor Hot Springs

Since Changbai Mountain is a dormant volcano, there are plenty of soothing outdoor hot springs around that are mineral-rich and very beneficial to your health. You'll enjoy a restorative soak that relaxes your muscles and promotes your metabolism and blood circulation. You'll find many of these springs near the base of the mountain. We highly recommend enjoying them in the winter, when you can enjoy the glorious snowy scenery from the comfort of your outdoor spring.

Recommended Changbaishan Tour Route

Snow view of Changbaishang Clubmed

Changbaishan is broken up into four travel routes: the North, West, South, and East Slopes. The most popular and recommended routes are the North Slope and the West Slope.

The North Slope route is an excellent choice for people who don't want to do a lot of hiking, as you can take the shuttle bus right to the top of the mountain. You'll also see Tianchi Lake, waterfalls, and hot springs. If you decide to do this route, we recommend staying in Erdaobaihe Town, which is only 6.7 kilometers from the North Gate. You'll find convenient transportation and plenty of accommodations and restaurants in this town.

You can also opt for the West Slope route, which requires more physical activity, including climbing 1,442 steps to reach the main peak. The views at the top are spectacular, and you'll see a panoramic view of Tianchi Lake, so remember to bring your camera. If you're a hiker and want to challenge yourself, this route is great. We suggest staying in the Wanda Resort Area, which is near the West Gate and has plenty of hotels, facilities, and a ski resort. You'll also find plenty of hot spring hotels nearby, perfect for resting after a long day of sightseeing.

How to Get to Changbaishan

Changbaishan has two high-speed railway stations and one airport that caters to domestic air travel but does not offer international flights. We suggest taking the high-speed train from either Harbin or Changchun.

The journey from Harbin West Station to Changbaishan Station takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, and traveling from the Changchun Railway Station to Changbaishan Station takes roughly 2.5 hours.

During the winter, many travelers combine Changbaishan and Harbin into one trip, seeing Harbin's Ice and Snow World full of snow and ice sculptures, then skiing and soaking in the hot springs in Changbaishan. The combined experience is the ultimate wintery treat.

We can design a personalized itinerary based on your interests and budget, with a private guide and car for a hassle-free tour.

Travel Tips

• Your visit to Changbai Mountain is sure to be the highlight of your vacation, and these helpful travel tips will enhance your experience.
• Changbai Mountain is freezing during the winter, so remember to bring down jackets and snowboots to stay warm. Even in the summer, it's a smart idea to bring layers.
• Winter is also the peak season, so it's important to make reservations and plan in advance.
• The weather can change quickly at higher altitudes, so always check the forecast before you head out.
• Make sure you stay on the hiking trails and marked paths to avoid going into restricted areas.
• Drones are forbidden in the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area.

Visit Changbai Mountain With Us

Changbai Mountain is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts, with breathtaking views, soothing hot springs, and gorgeous mountain lakes. Let us help you plan everything. Visit our contact page, or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to make your travel dreams a reality.