Changbai Mountain Tickets

Plan your Changbai Mountain trip easily! Learn ticket prices, how to get there, top attractions (Heaven Lake), activities (hot springs, skiing, rafting).

What & Where is Changbai Mountain?

What is Changbai Mountain?

Changbai Mountain is a huge dormant volcano with a crater lake (Heaven Lake) at its peak. It’s one of China’s most sacred mountains, and home to rare animals like sika deer. The three main slopes (North, West, South) are all developed for tourism, but each offers something different—some are easy to get around, others are quieter, and some have better lake views.

You can visit year-round: winter brings snow-covered forests and cozy hot springs, while summer has lush green valleys and wildflowers. Whether you want to take photos of the lake, soak in hot springs, ski, or go rafting, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Where is Changbai Mountain?

• Exact Location: Straddling Antu County and Fusong County, Jilin Province (near the China-North Korea border).
• Base Towns: Most people stay in Erdaobaihe Town (closest to North Slope, the most popular) or Manjiang Town (near West Slope).
• How Far from Big Cities: 4 hours from Harbin, 4.5 hours from Changchun, 2 hours from Yanji.

Changbai Mountain Opening Hours

Opening hours may vary. Please check with the Changbai Mountain attraction page for daily details.

• North Slope: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM (last entry at 2:00 PM).
• West Slope: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM (last entry at 2:00 PM).
• South Slope: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (last entry at 2:00 PM).
• Note: Hours are a bit shorter in winter (December–February). If there’s heavy snow or strong winds, slopes might close temporarily. Call the scenic area hotline (+86-433-5742286) to confirm before you go.

How to Get to Changbai Mountain

From Major Cities

1. From Harbin:
2. • Take the high-speed rail from Harbin West Station to Changbai Mountain High-Speed Rail Station (4 hours, ~$30–$40).
   • From the rail station, take a taxi to Erdaobaihe Town (30 minutes, ~$5–$8).
2. From Changchun:
3. • High-speed rail from Changchun Station to Changbai Mountain High-Speed Rail Station (4.5 hours, ~$25–$35).
   • Take a local shuttle from the rail station to Erdaobaihe Town (1 hour, ~$3–$5).
3. From Yanji:
4. • Bus from Yanji Bus Station to Erdaobaihe Town (2 hours, ~$4–$6).
   • Or book the 1-day tour from Yanji (includes transport to North Slope).

Getting to the Slopes from Base Towns

• North Slope: From Erdaobaihe Town, take a scenic area shuttle (15 minutes, ~$2–$3) or a taxi (10 minutes, ~$4–$6).
• West Slope: From Manjiang Town, take a taxi (20 minutes, ~$8–$10) or scenic shuttle (25 minutes, ~$3–$4).
• South Slope: Harder to get to—best to drive yourself or book a chartered car (40 minutes from Erdaobaihe Town, ~$15–$20).

Changbai Mountain Ticket Prices & How to Book

Changbai Mountain Ticket Prices

Tickets are mostly combo packs (admission + in-park shuttle buses)—you need the shuttle because the slopes are huge. Here are the most popular options from Trip.com.

How to Book

• Book Online (Best Option): Use Trip.com—new users get discounts up to 27% (limited time, subject to change).
• Quick Tips:
• • Book 3–7 days early, especially in winter (it’s busy!).
  • Most tickets are e-tickets—just show your ID and booking confirmation at the gate (no need to pick up paper tickets).
  • Heaven Lake might be closed if the weather’s bad (windy, cloudy, snowy). You can’t get a refund if that happens, so check the scenic area’s WeChat account on the morning of your trip.

What to See at Changbai Mountain (Top Attractions)

Each slope has unique spots—here’s what not to miss:

1. North Slope (Most Convenient for First-Timers)

The most popular slope with the best facilities—great if you want to see lots of attractions without too much hassle:

• Heaven Lake: The star! Take a shuttle + short hike to get there. From the North Slope, the lake looks round, and you can see the volcanic crater clearly. It’s only open on calm, cloudless days.
• Changbai Waterfall: A 68-meter-high waterfall fed by Heaven Lake. In winter, it freezes into a huge ice waterfall—super cool for photos.
• Green Deep Pool: A small lake with bright green water, surrounded by pine trees. In winter, it’s frozen and looks like a piece of jade.
• Underground Forest: A 3km wooden walkway through an old-growth forest. You might spot squirrels or rare plants if you’re lucky.

2. West Slope (Best Panoramic Views of Heaven Lake)

Less crowded than the North Slope—you’ll get a different view of the lake:

• Heaven Lake: To reach it, you have to climb 1442 stone stairs. It’s tiring, but the view is worth it—the lake looks like a crescent here, and you can see far across the water.
• Jinjiang Canyon: A 70km-long canyon with red volcanic rocks and thick forests. Hike the boardwalk to look down into the valley.
• High Mountain Garden: In summer (July–August), wildflowers (azaleas, rhododendrons) cover the slopes—like a colorful carpet.

3. South Slope (Quiet & Less Crowded)

The least developed slope—perfect if you hate crowds:

• Heaven Lake: The trails here are wide and gentle (no steep stairs). You can take photos of the lake without lots of people in the way.
• Yalu River Source: The start of the Yalu River—clear streams run through the forest, and it’s super peaceful.
• Rime Ice: In winter, the trees are covered in white rime—like something out of a fairy tale.

What to Do at Changbai Mountain (Hot Springs, Skiing, Rafting)

Beyond sightseeing, there are tons of fun things to do—split into easy categories:

1. Hot Springs (Must-Try!)

Changbai Mountain is famous for its natural hot springs (heated by the volcano). The best way to enjoy them is in winter—soak in warm water while snow falls around you:

• Blue Ridge Hot Spring Resort: Near Erdaobaihe Town—has outdoor hot spring pools with mountain views.
• Erdaobaihe Hot Springs: Local, budget-friendly option—smaller pools but just as relaxing.
• Tips: Bring your own swimsuit (resorts don’t provide them). Shower before soaking, and don’t stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes (you’ll get too hot!).

2. Skiing (Winter Only—December–March)

Changbai Mountain has great ski resorts with powdery snow—perfect for skiers of all levels:

• Changbai Mountain International Ski Resort: Near Erdaobaihe Town—has slopes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Rent gear on-site (skis, boots, jackets).
• West Slope Ski Resort: Quieter than the international resort—great if you want to avoid crowds.
• Price: Ski passes start at ~$30–$50 per day (includes gear rental).

3. Rafting (Summer Only—June–August)

Cool off in summer with rafting on the mountain’s rivers:

• Water Rafting: Gentle rafting—suitable for families and beginners. Included in some North Slope combo tickets.
• Devil’s World Drifting: More thrilling—faster rapids and twists. Also available as a combo with North Slope entry.
• Tips: Wear quick-dry clothes and water shoes (you’ll get wet!). Bring a waterproof bag for your phone.

4. Hiking

Hike the trails on any slope—great for getting close to nature:

• North Slope: Underground Forest trail (3km, easy).
• West Slope: Jinjiang Canyon boardwalk (2km, moderate).
• South Slope: Yalu River Source trail (1.5km, easy).

Recommended Changbai Mountain Itinerary (3 Days & 2 Nights)

This itinerary includes the North Slope and the west slope, as well as hot springs and local food:

Day 1: Arrive & Relax

• In the morning: Take the high-speed rail to Changbai Mountain High-Speed Railway Station → Take a taxi to Erdao Baihe Town.
• In the afternoon: Check into a hotel with a hot spring (such as Blue Ridge Hot Spring Resort).
• Evening: Soaking in the outdoor hot spring (It's so magical to be with the snow!) Dinner was at a local iron pot stew restaurant (try river fish and frozen tofu - warm and delicious).

Day 2: North Slope Full Day

• 7:00 a.m. : Take the sightseeing bus to the north Slope → Go directly to Tianhu Lake (the scenery is the clearest in the morning).
• 10:00 a.m. : Visit Changbai Waterfall → Walk to Green Deep Pool.
• 12:30 p.m. : Have lunch at the Hillside Restaurant (try stir-fried mountain vegetables, fresh and crispy).
• 2:00 p.m. : Hike along the underground forest path → Return to Erdao Baihe Town.
• In the evening: We had Korean barbecue for dinner (grilled beef and kimchi, super delicious).

Day 3: West Slope Full Day

• 7:30 a.m. : Take the second taxi from Baihe Town to Xipo (40 minutes).
• 9:00 a.m. : Climb 1,442 flights of stairs to Tianhu Lake → Take pictures of the crescent-shaped Tianhu Lake.
• 11:30 a.m. : Explore Jinjiang Canyon → Hike along the wooden boardwalk.
• 1:30 p.m. : Have lunch at the Ramp Snack Bar (instant noodles and local snacks, fast and filling).
• 3:00 p.m. : Return to Erdao Baihe Town → Take the high-speed rail home.

What to Bring & Travel Tips for Changbai Mountain

What to Bring to Changbai Mountain

• Winter (November–March): Thick down jackets (knee-high), snow boots, crampons (for icy stairs), thermal underwear, hand warmers (for you and your phone battery), scarves, hats, waterproof gloves.
• Summer (June–August): Light coats (the nights on the mountain are very cold), sunscreen (the ultraviolet rays are very strong), raincoats (sudden showers), hiking shoes, insect repellent.
• All Seasons: ID card/passport (for ticket checking), power bank, snacks (energy bars, fruits), water bottle (replenish at the fountain in the scenic area, save money on bottled water).

Changbai Mountain Pro Tips

1. Heaven Lake Luck: You can't guarantee that you'll see Tianhu - the wind or clouds might cover it. Check the wechat of the scenic area at 7 a.m. on the day of your trip to see if it is open.
2. Shuttle Buses Are a Must: The slopes are very steep and you can't walk between the scenic spots. Just follow the signs and you can catch the bus.
3. Local Food Don’t-Misses: Iron pot stew, Korean barbecue and hot spring eggs (cooked in 83°C spring water, the yolks will flow out!)
4. Avoid Crowds: Winter (December to February) and summer (July to August) are very busy. Visit in May or September when there are fewer people and the weather is nice.
5. Skiing tip: If you are a beginner, book a one-hour class at the ski resort - you will quickly learn the basics.

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