Huinan & Longwan Lakes

A group of maar volcanic lakes in the foothills of Changbai Mountain, with Sanjiao Longwan, Da Longwan and Diaoshuihu Waterfall hidden in primeval forest; known as the "Jiuzhaigou of the Northeast."

Huinan County lies in northern Tonghua, Jilin Province, in the Longgang Mountains, an offshoot of the Changbai range. The highlight is Longwan National Forest Park (national 4A-rated) in the south of the county. This is the home of the Longgang volcanic field, where eruptions created a string of maar lakes and craters, including Sanjiao Longwan, Da Longwan, Er Longwan, Xiao Longwan, Dong Longwan, Nan Longwan and Han Longwan. Together with Diaoshuihu Waterfall and volcanic cones such as Jinlong Dingzi, they are summed up as "seven lakes, one waterfall and two peaks" and nicknamed the "Jiuzhaigou of the Northeast." Jinchuan Town is the base for exploring: Sanjiao Longwan has boat rides and a lakeside boardwalk loop; Da Longwan, the largest lake, is just south of town; Diaoshuihu Waterfall is about 3.5 km southeast of Da Longwan; Er Longwan and Han Longwan see fewer visitors and suit hiking. Each site is ticketed separately and they are several kilometers apart, so you'll need a car or chartered vehicle. Near the county seat in the north are the ruins of the Ming-era Huifa City. The climate is temperate continental monsoon; Jun–Sep is cool and the best time for escaping the heat and seeing the lakes, while late Sep to early Oct brings the finest multicolored autumn foliage. Winters are bitterly cold, and some sites offer frozen waterfalls and snowscapes. Take a train to Meihekou or Tonghua, then transfer for about 1.5–2 hours to Jinchuan Town. Allow 1–2 days and try northeastern iron-pot stew.

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