The Changbai Mountain is located in Changchun, Jilin Province, and borders the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the south. It is a dormant volcano, and boasts rare animals, marvelous lakes, amazing hot springs, and forests that could stretch to the horizon. Due to its splendid scenery and rich natural resources, the Changbai Mountain enjoys it reputation around the world.
The most beautiful part of Changbai Mountain is undoubtedly Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake. The lake was formed in the crater of the mountain, and it is the source of the Songhua, Tumen and Yalu Rivers. The mountain is also the cradle of Manchu, Korean and Han nationalities. The altitude of the Heavenly Lake is 2,189 meters (about 7,182 ft), and so the average temperature is 7.3C (45.14 F). With clouds everywhere, Heavenly Lake is like a jade in the sky. You can find a very interesting phenomenon while walking along the Heavenly Lake. On many occasions it is common for sunshine and rain to occur at the same time. It may rain very hard one minute, but you may soon find the sun shining warmly the next minute. Sometimes, you can even watch it rain in the west and shine in the east. Besides the wonderful scenery and astonishing climate, many witnesses have claimed that there are monsters in the lake! Some witnesses even took photos as proof, but there is still no conclusive evidence.
To the north of Heavenly Lake there exists an exit for the Chengcha River. Running gently for about 1,200 meters (0.74 miles), the river suddenly becomes a churning rapids and drops from a 68 meters (223 ft) high cliff. This is the famous Changbai Waterfall, the highest volcanic waterfall in the world. Watching it from far away, the waterfall appears like a white ribbon suspended in midair. As you approach it, you can hear the loud roar and feel the chilliness of the waterfall. Another alternative to watch the waterfall is climbing to Heifengkou on the main peak. Gales blow ceaselessly in this col, making it hard for visitors to walk and climb. But it remains the best place to watch the panorama of the waterfall. Apart from Changbai Waterfall, more than ten smaller waterfalls are also available in the mountain. Visitors have to enter the Northern Slope Entrance to see the waterfall.
Underground Forest, the attraction with lowest altitude on the mountain, is famous for its forest view. Ancient tall trees, huge rocks, special animals and cliffy canyons have lured many scientists, explorers and photographers in recent years. Twin Lakes and Natural Museum along the Northern Slope are also worth visiting. Additionally, the newly exploited Great Valley, Jinjiang Waterfall, King's Lake, Tiger's Back and Tizi River in the Western Slope also attract many visitors. If visitors want to closely observe the borders of the PRC and the DPRK and enjoy the beautiful alpine flowers, they can climb the mountain through the Southern Slope Entrance.
Tens of thousands of tourists choose to visit the Changbai Mountain during June and September, when flowers blossom and wind blows. The Mountain is always covered with snow when winter comes which is just another charming picture. Besides, tourists could also stay with Korean family to get close to local Korean life. If you visit Changchun, the Changbai Mountain is definitely a must to go.