Changbai Mountain North & West Slopes & Yanji High-Speed Rail

Connect Changchun, the North and West slopes of Changbai Mountain, and Yanji by high-speed rail, taking in Heaven Lake and Korean ethnic culture.

This itinerary relies primarily on high-speed rail and short-distance chartered cars, eliminating the need to drive. Head to Changbai Mountain first, leaving opportunities to view Heaven Lake from both the North and West slopes, then relax and enjoy the food scene in Yanji before returning to Changchun on the final day. With a moderate pace, it is perfect for first-time visitors to Jilin; the South slope and border areas are skipped to maximize time for Heaven Lake and city experiences.

Tickets must be booked in advance using real-name registration on the official WeChat mini-program; access to Heaven Lake may close temporarily due to wind or fog.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival in Changchun & Puppet Manchuria Heritage

Changchun（Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo、Xinmin Avenue & Eight Ministries of Manchukuo、Culture Square & Geology Palace）

Take an intercity train or taxi from Longjia Airport to the city center (approx. 1 hour); use the metro or taxis to travel between attractions.

Stay: Around Changchun Railway Station

Day 2 · High-Speed Rail to Erdaobaihe

Changbai Mountain（Meirensong Forest Park、Changbai Mountain Natural History Museum）

Take a high-speed train from Changchun to Changbaishan Station (approx. 2.5 hours), then take a 10-minute taxi ride to Erdaobaihe Town.

Refer to the official 12306 app for actual train schedules. Rest early after arrival to save energy for Heaven Lake the next day.

Stay: Erdaobaihe Town

Day 3 · North Slope Heaven Lake & Waterfalls

Changbai Mountain（Changbai Mountain Heaven Lake (North Slope)、Changbai Waterfall、Lüyuantan (Green Abyss Pool)、Underground Forest）

Take a 15-minute taxi ride from town to the North Scenic Area Tourist Center, then transfer to park shuttle buses and SUVs to ascend the mountain (approx. 8 hours total).

Check the official WeChat public account in the morning to confirm if Heaven Lake is open, and try to enter the park as early as possible.

Stay: Erdaobaihe Town

Day 4 · West Slope Heaven Lake & High-Speed Rail to Yanji

Changbai Mountain（Alpine Garden (West Slope)、Changbai Mountain West Slope） → Yanji（Yanji Bridge & Burhatong River）

Take a chartered car (approx. 1.5 hours) to the West Slope. After sightseeing, head to Changbaishan West Station for a 2-hour high-speed train to Yanji West.

Climbing the West Slope involves 1,442 steps (approx. 3 hours round trip); leave plenty of buffer time for afternoon trains.

Stay: Yanda · Trendy Wall

Day 5 · Yanji Morning Market & Korean Ethnic Culture

Yanji（Yanji Shuishang Market、China Korean Folk Village、Yanji West Market、Yanji Wanghong Wall）

Mainly use taxis within the city, with driving times between sites taking about 10 to 20 minutes. Stay at the same hotel tonight.

The morning market winds down after 8:00 AM. Confirm whether the Ethnic Customs Park and museum are closed on Mondays before setting out.

Stay: Yanda · Trendy Wall

Day 6 · High-Speed Rail to Changchun & Jingyue Slough

Changchun（Jingyuetan National Forest Park）

Take a high-speed train from Yanji West to Changchun (approx. 2.5 hours), transfer to Jingyue Slough (approx. 30 mins), and then head to the airport.

It takes over 30 minutes from Jingyue Slough to Longjia Airport; an evening flight offers a more relaxed schedule.