Antu County

Antu County is located in the southwestern part of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, at the northern foot of Changbai Mountain. It covers an area of approximately 7,444 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 200,000, with Korean ethnic group accounting for 26.3%. The county is named after Antu Mountain and was established as a county in 1910. It serves as the core gateway for Changbai Mountain tourism. The forest coverage rate reaches 85%, and it boasts abundant mineral water resources and unique Korean folk culture. Known as the 'Hometown of Chinese Mineral Water' and 'First County of Changbai Mountain', Antu County is famous for natural attractions such as Tianchi Lake on Changbai Mountain, Xueshan Feihu Lake, and Magic World Drifting. It also preserves rich Korean farming, song and dance, and culinary traditions, making it a comprehensive tourist destination integrating ecological sightseeing, folk experience, and health resort.

I. Changbai Mountain North Slope Scenic Area (4A) Located about 30 km southeast of Erdaobaihe Town, Antu County, it is the most classic tour route of Changbai Mountain. Opening hours: Summer 6:30-17:00, Winter 8:00-16:00. Ticket: 105 yuan, eco-car: 85 yuan, main peak off-road vehicle: 80 yuan. Main attractions include Tianchi Lake, Changbai Waterfall, Julongquan Hot Spring Group, Green Abyss Pool, and Underground Forest. It is recommended to start early in the morning, first climb the main peak to view Tianchi, then walk along the boardwalk to visit the waterfall and hot springs. In winter, you can experience snowmobiling and hot spring boiled eggs.

II. Xueshan Feihu Scenic Area (4A) Located in Liangjiang Town, Antu County, about 50 km from the county seat. The scenic area relies on the Xueshan Lake Reservoir in the upper reaches of the Songhua River, featuring lake and mountain scenery and forest drifting. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00, ticket: 60 yuan, drifting: 120 yuan/person. In summer, you can take a cruise to enjoy the lake; in autumn, the red leaves cover the mountains; in winter, you can participate in ice fishing and snow trekking.

III. Magic World Scenic Area Located in Hongfeng Village, Erdaobaihe Town, about 7 km from the north scenic area gate. It is named for the river that never freezes all year round, and when morning mist fills the air, the rime reflections create a magical world. Best viewing time: December to February, 6:00-8:00 am. Ticket: 98 yuan. Advance reservation required. Wear non-slip shoes and warm clothing. Photography enthusiasts can capture the interplay of rime, dead trees, and flowing water.

IV. Changbai Mountain Historical and Cultural Park Located in Erdaobaihe Town, it is a comprehensive park showcasing Changbai Mountain ecology and Korean culture. It includes the Changbai Mountain Natural Museum, Korean Folk Village, and Lingguang Temple. In the folk village, you can experience making rice cakes and kimchi, and watch Korean Nongak dance performances. Ticket: 50 yuan, opening hours: 8:30-17:00.

V. Antu County Food Recommendations Korean specialties: Stone pot bibimbap (recommended 'Jindalai Cold Noodle House'), kimchi stir-fried pork belly ('Amani Home-style Restaurant'), Yanbian grilled skewers ('Fengmao Skewer Shop' main store). Changbai Mountain wild delicacies: Pine mushroom stewed chicken, hazel mushroom stir-fried meat, Aralia elata omelet. Mineral water tofu: Tofu made with Antu mineral water, tender and sweet, available at 'Changbai Mountain Mountain Products Market' in Erdaobaihe Town.

VI. Transportation Guide External transportation: Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport is about 100 km from Antu county seat, with direct airport buses to Erdaobaihe Town (50 yuan, 1.5 hours). Yanjixi Station (high-speed rail) has multiple trains daily to Antuxi Station (about 40 minutes, second class 28 yuan). The county seat center is about 60 km from Erdaobaihe Town, with shuttle buses (15 yuan, hourly). Self-driving: From Changchun, take Huichun-Ulanhot Expressway to Antu exit, then follow S203 provincial road to Erdaobaihe Town, about 4 hours total. Internal transportation: Erdaobaihe Town has tourist shuttle buses (Routes 1 and 2, 1 yuan) covering main attractions. Taxi starting fare 5 yuan, from town to north scenic area gate about 30 yuan.