The northern slope of Changbai Mountain offers a view of Heaven Lake

Visiting Changbai Mountain. I was very lucky that when I reached the summit, the sky was clear and fogless, allowing for a clear view of Heaven Lake. The water was as clear as jade, the sky as blue as silk, grand yet delicate, truly a place one must visit in their lifetime. The birch forest at the mountainside, the grasslands and tundra near the summit, and the bald peaks at the top (which were said to be covered with snow until a month ago), show a clear change in vegetation with altitude. Unfortunately, the car was moving fast, and the mountain roads were dangerous, so there was no chance to take pictures during this part of the journey. The weather on Changbai Mountain is unpredictable, with sudden rain and sunshine. As soon as we descended the mountain, it started to rain. If we had been half an hour later, we might not have been able to enjoy the magnificent view of Heaven Lake so smoothly. Climbing from the base to the summit to see Heaven Lake requires waiting in several long lines, and I mean long lines. Be mentally prepared, as it is much more strenuous than queuing at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. Also, the temperature at the summit is low, so be mindful of adding or removing layers of clothing.