Changbai Mountain South Slope
长白山南坡
The least-visited face of Changbai Mountain. From the south side of Heavenly Lake you can see the full crater and the peaks across it, and the route passes the Yalu River Grand Canyon and vast alpine tundra.
The south slope lies within Changbai Korean Autonomous County of Baishan City. It is the latest to be developed and the least visited of the mountain’s three open slopes. Eco-shuttle buses climb the winding mountain road through Erman’s birch forest and alpine tundra. The final viewing platform sits on the southern edge of Heavenly Lake, where you can see the full outline of the crater lake, with Tianwen Peak on the opposite shore. The area is close to the China–North Korea border, and photography is strictly prohibited near the boundary markers. Tickets and eco-shuttle fares are bought separately. Peak-season admission is about 105 yuan, with the shuttle charged extra. Opening hours change with the weather, and the upper road may be closed temporarily in strong winds or fog. The south slope gate is about 4 hours’ drive from Erdaobaihe, so it suits travellers who start from Changbai County town or combine it with the west slope. Temperatures at altitude are more than 10°C lower than at the foot of the mountain, so bring a windproof jacket even in summer.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:30–16:30 (seasonal; often closed in winter)
Nearby sights
- Yalu River Grand Canyon
- Tizi River
- Wangtiane Scenic Area
- Changbai Mountain Heaven Lake (North Slope)
- Jinjiang Grand Canyon
- Changbai Mountain West Slope
- Alpine Garden (West Slope)
- Changbai Waterfall