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5A LevelNature

Changbai Mountain Tianchi

Heaven Lake of Changbai Mountain

Jilin · Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture

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Category:Natural Scenery

Heaven Lake (Tianchi) of Changbai Mountain is the deepest alpine volcanic lake in China, nestled atop the mountain peaks. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the sky, offering distinct scenery in each season, earning it the reputation of 'Lake of Heaven'. It is a breathtaking natural wonder interwoven with myth and legend.

INTRODUCTION

About This Attraction

Heaven Lake of Changbai Mountain: A Pearl on the Volcanic Crater

Overview: A Sacred Lake Between Heaven and Earth

Heaven Lake (Tianchi) of Changbai Mountain, located in the southeastern part of Jilin Province, China, is a boundary lake between China and North Korea and the deepest lake in China. It sits atop the main peak's volcanic cone, formed by water accumulating in the crater after a volcanic eruption. The lake surface is at an altitude of 2189.1 meters, covering an area of approximately 9.82 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 373 meters and an average depth of about 204 meters, holding a total volume of about 2.04 billion cubic meters. Its waters are clear and azure, resembling a piece of jade inlaid on the mountain summit, earning the reputation of 'Water from Heaven'.

As one of the world's highest volcanic crater lakes, Heaven Lake is not only a breathtaking natural wonder but also carries profound historical and cultural significance. It was included in UNESCO's 'Man and the Biosphere' Reserve Network in 1980 and became a national AAAAA tourist attraction in 2007, making it one of the most representative natural heritages in Northeast Asia.

Key Data at a Glance

Geographical Location: At the junction of Antu County, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, and Fusong County, Baishan City, Jilin Province; longitude 128°03′E, latitude 42°00′N.

PRACTICAL INFO

Travel Essentials

Opening Hours

Summer (Jun-Sep): 6:00-17:00; Winter (Oct-May): 8:00-16:00. Please refer to the official notice for exact times.

Ticket Price

Admission: 105 yuan/person for North, West, and South slopes; eco-bus ticket 85 yuan/person; off-road vehicle ticket for North Slope main peak 80 yuan/person.

How to Get There

By Air: Changbaishan Airport (in Songjianghe Town) has flights from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Dalian. The airport is about 1.5 hours' drive from the North Slope scenic area. By Train: Baihe Station (North Slope) and Songjianghe Station (West Slope) have train services from Changchun, Shenyang, Harbin, and other cities. By Car: From Changchun via the Fuchang Expressway to Songjianghe Town, or from Yanji via Longjing to Erdaobaihe Town, taking about 4-5 hours.

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Historical Evolution: From Volcanic Eruption to Imperial Worship

The formation of Heaven Lake is a geological epic spanning millions of years. Changbai Mountain is a dormant volcano whose volcanic activity dates back to the late Pliocene (about 5 million years ago). According to geologists, the lake's formation underwent multiple large-scale eruptions, the most violent of which occurred about 1000 years ago (around 946-947 AD) in the 'Millennium Eruption'. This eruption ejected vast amounts of pyroclastic material, causing the summit of the volcanic cone to collapse and form a huge caldera. Subsequently, water gradually accumulated in the crater, eventually forming today's Heaven Lake.

In ancient Chinese literature, Changbai Mountain was first called 'Buxian Mountain'. The 'Shan Hai Jing' (Classic of Mountains and Seas) records: 'In the Great Wilderness, there is a mountain named Buxian, where the Sushen clan resides.' After the Han Dynasty, it was also known as 'Gaima Mountain' and 'Tutai Mountain'. By the Tang Dynasty, it was revered as 'Taibai Mountain', as recorded in the 'New Book of Tang'. During the Liao and Jin Dynasties, the Jurchen people rose, and Changbai Mountain was regarded as their ancestral birthplace. In 1172 (the 12th year of Dading), Emperor Shizong of Jin conferred the title 'Xingguo Lingying Wang' (King of National Prosperity and Spiritual Response) upon Changbai Mountain and established a temple for worship, initiating the official tradition of imperial worship.

From the Ming Dynasty onward, Changbai Mountain was incorporated into the central plains' territorial administration. During the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, envoys were sent to offer sacrifices and erect steles. In the Qing Dynasty, the Manchus regarded Changbai Mountain as the 'Dragon Rising Land'. In 1677 (the 16th year of Kangxi), Emperor Kangxi dispatched Minister Wumone and others to survey the mountain, and the following year officially conferred the title 'God of Changbai Mountain', ranking it among the Five Sacred Mountains and granting it state sacrifices. The Qing court implemented a closure policy, prohibiting logging and reclamation, which objectively protected the pristine ecological environment around Heaven Lake.

In modern times, Heaven Lake gradually became known to the world. In the early 20th century, Japanese and European explorers and scholars began scientific expeditions to the lake. In 1960, the Chinese government established the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, which was upgraded to a national nature reserve in 1986. Today, Heaven Lake has become a world-renowned tourist destination and research base.

Scenic Area Layout: Sixteen Peaks Surrounding the Lake and Four Slopes

The Heaven Lake scenic area centers on the lake, surrounded by sixteen peaks and four slopes (North, West, South, and East). The East Slope is within North Korea; Chinese tourists mainly visit the North, West, and South Slopes.

Sixteen Peaks Around the Lake

Around Heaven Lake, peaks tower majestically, all above 2500 meters, forming a spectacular crater rim. According to the 'Chronicles of Changbai Mountain', there are sixteen main peaks, nine of which are within China:

Baiyun Peak (White Cloud Peak): At 2691 meters, the highest peak of Changbai Mountain, often shrouded in clouds, hence the name.
Tianwen Peak (Astronomical Peak): At 2670 meters, named for the weather station on its summit, offering an excellent vantage point for viewing Heaven Lake.
Yuzhu Peak (Jade Pillar Peak): At 2664 meters, shaped like a pillar holding up the sky.
Tiyun Peak (Ladder Cloud Peak): At 2543 meters, with clouds often flowing like ladders.
Guanmian Peak (Crown Peak): At 2525 meters, resembling an ancient emperor's crown.
Luming Peak (Deer Cry Peak): At 2603 meters, legend says deer often cry here.
Huagai Peak (Canopy Peak): At 2624 meters, with a flat summit like a canopy.
Longmen Peak (Dragon Gate Peak): At 2595 meters, two peaks facing each other like a gate.
Wohu Peak (Crouching Tiger Peak): At 2566 meters, steep and shaped like a crouching tiger.

Four Slope Scenic Areas

North Slope Scenic Area: The earliest developed and best-equipped route. Main attractions include the main peak of Heaven Lake, Changbai Waterfall, Julongquan Hot Spring Group, Small Heaven Lake, Luyuan Pool, and Underground Forest. The North Slope observation deck is near Tianwen Peak at about 2600 meters, offering a panoramic view of the lake. Changbai Waterfall, with a drop of 68 meters, is the only outlet of Heaven Lake and the source of the Chengcha River.
West Slope Scenic Area: Known for its pristine scenery, requiring climbing 1442 steps to reach the lakeside. The West Slope observation deck at about 2470 meters offers a broad view and close access to the water. Main attractions include Jinjiang Grand Canyon, Alpine Flower Garden, and Wangchi (Royal Pool).
South Slope Scenic Area: Developed later, with the fewest visitors, preserving the most complete natural ecology. The South Slope observation deck at about 2600 meters allows simultaneous views of Heaven Lake and the Yalu River Grand Canyon. Main attractions include the Yalu River Grand Canyon, carbonized wood remains, and Erman's birch forest belt.
East Slope Scenic Area: Located in North Korea; Chinese tourists must enter via the North Korean side. The East Slope has a trail leading to the lake surface, where boat rides are available.

Natural Features: Volcanic Landforms and Ecological Wonders

Volcanic Geological Wonders

Heaven Lake is a typical crater lake with geological structures of high scientific value. The volcanic cone is composed of basalt, trachyte, and pyroclastic rocks. The crater rim is formed by sixteen peaks enclosing an elliptical basin about 4.5 kilometers in diameter. The lake bottom preserves complete volcanic eruption remains, including lava flows, volcanic bombs, and pumice. Research indicates that the volcano experienced at least four large eruptions during the Holocene, with the 'Millennium Eruption' depositing ash as far as Hokkaido, Japan.

Around Heaven Lake, there are several hot spring groups, the most famous being Julongquan on the North Slope. The water temperature can reach up to 82°C, rich in sulfur, hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, effective for skin diseases and arthritis. The contrast between hot springs and the cold lake creates a unique 'ice and fire' landscape.

Hydrology and Climate

Heaven Lake is the source of three rivers: Songhua River, Tumen River, and Yalu River. Its outlet, the Chengcha River, is only 1250 meters long but forms the 68-meter-high Changbai Waterfall. Annual precipitation is about 1400 mm, but evaporation is only about 450 mm, with excess water draining through the Chengcha River. The lake water temperature is extremely low, with summer surface temperatures around 8-12°C, and in winter the lake freezes over with ice thickness reaching 2-3 meters.

The climate around Heaven Lake is unpredictable, often described as 'one mountain has four seasons, ten miles apart different weather'. Summer brings frequent rain and fog, often shrouding the lake with low visibility; winter is severely cold, with temperatures dropping to -44°C and winds often exceeding 8 on the Beaufort scale. The best time to view the lake is from June to September, but even in midsummer, temperatures at the summit are often below 10°C.

Biodiversity

Around Heaven Lake, a complete vertical vegetation spectrum is preserved, from broadleaf forests at the base to alpine tundra at the summit, forming a unique ecosystem. The lake itself has few species, only some plankton and cold-water fish (such as the cherry salmon). However, the Erman's birch forest belt and alpine tundra are habitats for many rare animals and plants, including first-class protected animals like the Siberian tiger, sable, and musk deer, as well as rare plants like Changbai pine, rhododendron, and alpine poppy.

Visitor Information: Practical Guide

Best Time to Visit

June to September: The climate is relatively mild, the lake ice melts, and the water is azure, making it the best season to view the lake. July and August are rainy, so be prepared for weather changes.
Late September to October: Autumn colors paint the landscape, with vibrant hues around the lake, a paradise for photographers.
November to April: In winter, the lake freezes and heavy snow blocks the mountains; the North Slope is partially open, offering snow and rime ice views, but you must prepare for extreme cold.

Transportation

By Air: Changbaishan Airport (in Songjianghe Town) has flights from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Dalian. The airport is about 1.5 hours' drive from the North Slope scenic area.
By Train: Baihe Station (North Slope) and Songjianghe Station (West Slope) have train services from Changchun, Shenyang, Harbin, and other cities.
By Car: From Changchun via the Fuchang Expressway to Songjianghe Town, or from Yanji via Longjing to Erdaobaihe Town, taking about 4-5 hours.

Tickets and Opening Hours

Ticket Prices: North, West, and South Slope scenic areas each charge 105 yuan per person for admission, 85 yuan for the eco-bus, and 80 yuan for the off-road vehicle to the North Slope main peak.
Opening Hours: Summer (June-September) 6:00-17:00; Winter (October-May) 8:00-16:00. Specific times are subject to official announcements.

Visitor Tips

Keep Warm: Temperatures at the summit are low and winds strong; bring down jackets, windproof coats, hats, gloves, and other warm clothing.
Sun and Rain Protection: UV rays are strong, so apply sunscreen; weather is changeable, so carry rain gear.
Altitude Sickness: The lake is over 2000 meters above sea level; some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness. Move slowly and avoid strenuous exercise.
Environmental Awareness: Do not litter, pick plants, or disturb animals within the scenic area; help protect this precious natural heritage.
Safety Tips: The cliffs around the lake are steep; follow park rules, do not climb over railings, and do not enter restricted areas.

Heaven Lake of Changbai Mountain, this pearl on the volcanic crater, attracts countless visitors and scholars with its magnificent natural scenery, profound historical heritage, and unique cultural significance. It is not only a natural treasure of China but also a world heritage of all humanity. Every encounter with Heaven Lake is a wondrous journey of dialogue with heaven and earth and resonance with history.