Jingpohu Underground Forest (Crater Forest Park)
镜泊湖地下森林（火山口国家森林公园）
A primeval forest that grew inside a volcanic crater about 10,000 years ago. From the rim, you look down on trees that appear to grow underground, making it a highlight of the Jingpo Lake World Geopark.
The Underground Forest lies in the Zhangguangcai Mountains, about 50 km northwest of Jingpo Lake. It is a group of volcanic craters formed by an eruption about 10,000 years ago, each several hundred meters across and more than 100 m deep. Soil accumulated inside the craters, and primeval forests of Korean pine, larch, purple linden and other trees grew there. Seen from the crater rim, the big trees appear to “grow underground,” hence the name Underground Forest. It is an important section of the Jingpo Lake World Geopark. The park has wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms around the crater, and you can also see basalt lava flows, volcanic bombs and other landforms. A full walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Forest air is cool in summer, and the autumn foliage is especially beautiful. The park usually closes in winter because of snow. Check the park’s announcements for admission details. Getting there: from the North Gate of Jingpo Lake, it takes about 1 hour by self-drive or chartered car. In peak season, the Jingpo Lake scenic area runs sightseeing buses to the park, so you can visit Little North Lake on the way.
Opening hours
May–Oct, approx. 08:00–17:00 (check the scenic area's notice)