Lüyuantan (Green Abyss Pool)
绿渊潭
A deep emerald pool in the Erman’s birch forest, with several small waterfalls tumbling from the cliffs into it; its jade-green water earns it the nickname “Little Jiuzhaigou” of Changbai Mountain.
Lüyuantan lies in the Erman’s birch belt of the north slope at an altitude of about 1,600 m. It is a deep pool formed by water seeping from Heavenly Lake, about 26 m deep. Minerals in the water and the play of light give it an intense emerald hue. Along the surrounding cliffs, several small waterfalls more than 20 m high pour into the pool, framed by white birch, Erman’s birch and fir. The scene is secluded, and it is known as the “Little Jiuzhaigou” of Changbai Mountain. Apart from Heavenly Lake, it is the most photogenic spot on the north slope. How to visit: get off at the Lüyuantan stop on the eco-shuttle bus and walk around the pool on the wooden boardwalk for about 20–30 minutes. The best viewpoint faces the waterfalls and the pool directly. The water looks most vivid when sunlight falls directly on it. The Erman’s birch along the boardwalk turns golden in late September. Admission is included in the north slope ticket. Suggested plan: visit after Heavenly Lake and the waterfalls and before returning to the park gate. Combine it with Xiaotianchi (a small volcanic crater lake on the same shuttle line) and the Underground Forest (a primeval forest on the valley floor, about 1.5 hours return on foot) to fill the afternoon of a north slope itinerary. Getting there: the north slope eco-shuttle stops at Lüyuantan. Notes: the boardwalk is slippery, so watch your footing. Do not enter the water. Mosquitoes are common in summer, so bring repellent.
Opening hours
About 07:00–16:30 (follows scenic area hours)
Nearby sights
- Xiaotianchi (Changbai Lake)
- Heifengkou Pass
- Julong Hot Springs
- Changbai Waterfall
- Underground Forest
- Changbai Mountain Heaven Lake (North Slope)
- Changbai Mountain West Slope
- Tizi River