# Changbai Mountain Scenic Area (长白山风景区)

Changbai Mountain, Jilin Province · Northeast, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/changbai-mountain-scenic-area
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** North Scenic Area admission ¥105; North Scenic Area full-price combo ticket ¥305 (admission + eco shuttle + round-trip tourist express bus). West Scenic Area admission ¥105; West Scenic Area full-price combo ticket ¥214 (admission + eco shuttle + round-trip tourist express bus)
- **Opening hours:** 08:00-17:00 (year-round; operating hours vary slightly among the scenic areas)
- **Time needed:** 1–2 days
- **Address:** Antu County, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province
- **Getting there:** North slope: Take a train from Jilin to Antu or Yanji, then transfer to a long-distance bus or taxi via Chibei District to reach the mountain. You can also take a bus directly from Jilin City to the climbing point. West slope: Take a tourist special train from Jilin or Changchun, get off at Songjianghe, then transfer by bus to Changbai Mountain. You can also take a bus directly from Jilin via Songjianghe to Changbai Mountain and start climbing at the 1,200-metre point, a climb of about one hour.

## About Changbai Mountain Scenic Area

Changbai Mountain is the “First Mountain of Northeast China,” named for the white pumice and snow that cover its main peak, Baitou Peak. There are four slopes from which to approach the mountain. The east slope lies within North Korea, so only the south, north and west slopes are open to visitors.
The north slope, starting from Chibei District, is the first choice of most first-time visitors. It is the most developed and has the most attractions. The west slope, starting from Songjianghe, offers its own distinctive scenery, and some people say it gives the broadest view of Heaven Lake. The south slope, starting from Changbai County, borders North Korea. It is less famous than the north and west slopes, but because it is less developed, it is more primitive and natural.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Shuttle to the summit: Shuttle buses run up the mountain on Saturdays and Sundays, at about ¥80. From Monday to Friday, when there are fewer visitors, there are no dedicated shuttles, so you will need to charter a vehicle with other travellers for about ¥300. Prices are higher in peak season.
- 2. Saving money: If you are lucky enough to find a seat on a tour group’s shuttle, you may only pay ¥30–50.
- 3. Korean culture: Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture lies at the foot of Changbai Mountain and is home to a large Korean community. The Korean ethnic group is known for its singing, dancing and warm hospitality, and its distinctive folk customs make it worth visiting nearby attractions while you are in the area.
- 4. Vehicle transfers (“dao zhan”): Because certain vehicle types are not permitted to drive up to the main peak, many visitors in restricted vehicles transfer to (or rent) local unrestricted vehicles for the final stretch. Locals call this “dao zhan.” The vehicles used for this are called dao zhan vehicles, and they come in two types: private and state-run. State-run vehicles cost ¥80 per person and are subject to strict time restrictions. Private vehicles operate only from June 15 to September 15.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 2227. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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