Escape the Heat at Changbai Mountain, the Ultimate Summer Retreat

✈️ Transportation Fly directly to Changbaishan Airport (closest to the West Slope), then transfer via airport shuttle or private car to the scenic area. 🚄 Changbaishan Station (North Slope): About a 30-minute drive from Erdaobaihe Town, ideal for exploring the North Slope. Songjianghe Station (West Slope): Close to the Wanda Resort, perfect for hiking the West Slope. Self-drive: Approximately 4 hours from Changchun via highway. Drive carefully on mountain roads; private car hire is recommended (around ¥500/day). **In-Scenic Area Transportation** **North Slope:** Eco-bus + off-road vehicle: Entrance fee ¥105 + eco-bus ¥85 + Tianchi off-road vehicle ¥80 (transfer bus). Ticket check time: 7:30 AM–2:30 PM. Route: Mountain Gate → Tianchi (Route A/B) → Waterfall → Hot Spring Cluster → Green Deep Pool → Underground Forest. **West Slope:** Eco-bus + hiking: Entrance fee ¥105 + eco-bus ¥85. Requires climbing 1,442 steps (sedan chairs available for a higher fee). Route: Mountain Gate → Tianchi Mid-Station → Jinjiang Grand Canyon → Alpine Garden → Wang Pool. **South Slope:** Eco-bus: Entrance fee ¥105 + eco-bus ¥85. Limited to 1,500 tickets daily; book 2 days in advance. Shuttle bus goes directly to the Tianchi viewing platform. Advantages: Fewer crowds, best views, suitable for elderly and children. **Activities** - **Tianchi Viewing:** North Slope offers wide views, West Slope requires hiking, South Slope is serene—best visited on sunny days. - **Hot Springs:** Julong Hot Spring Cluster (North Slope) for boiled eggs; Julong Volcanic Hot Spring (West Slope). - **Hiking Trails:** West Slope’s Alpine Garden (July flower fields), North Slope’s Green Deep Pool (emerald waters), South Slope’s Yalu River Grand Canyon (pristine scenery). - **Summer Fun:** Cycling in Erdaobaihe Town, Mojie Rafting (cool summer activity). **Must-Try Local Dishes:** ✅ Ginseng Chicken (nourishing) ✅ Fish Stewed with Matsutake Mushrooms (delicious) ✅ Wild Mushroom Soup (mountain flavor) ✅ Cold Noodles + Kimchi (Korean-style) 🏨 **Accommodation Recommendations** - **North Slope:** Erdaobaihe Town (budget-friendly, mostly homestays) - **West Slope:** Wanda/Resort (family-friendly, full amenities) - **Luxury Option:** Park Hyatt Changbaishan (hot springs) ⚠️ **Tips to Avoid Pitfalls** ❗ Tianchi weather changes frequently—check forecasts, bring rain gear and sunscreen! ❗ Be wary of drivers recommending overpriced restaurants; buy local products at official stores. ❗ South Slope tickets sell out fast; North Slope ticket checks end at 2:30 PM.