Self-Drive from Shenyang to Changbai Mountain via Ji'an

From early Qing Dynasty historical sites to the Goguryeo capital, drive along the Yalu River to Changbai Mountain, and return to Shenyang by high-speed rail.

A classic route along the eastern border of Liaoning and Jilin provinces. Along the way, visit Hetu Ala, the Yongling Tombs of the Qing Dynasty, Wunu Mountain City, and the Goguryeo royal tombs in Ji'an, then head up the Yalu River to see Heaven Lake from the western slope of Changbai Mountain. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural history and natural landscapes. It is a one-way self-drive, and you can return to Shenyang via the Shenyang-Baihe High-Speed Railway in about 2 hours. Be prepared for a long day of driving on winding riverside mountain roads, and keep in mind that Heaven Lake may be obscured by clouds.

The weather at Changbai Mountain is highly unpredictable. Opening hours for the western slope are adjusted seasonally; please verify in advance.

Day by day

Day 1 · Shenyang Qing Dynasty Imperial City

Shenyang（Mukden Palace (Shenyang Imperial Palace)、Marshal Zhang's Mansion、Zhongjie Pedestrian Street）

Take the metro and walk around the city. Once at Middle Street, the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Marshal Zhang's Mansion, and Middle Street are all within walking distance.

Online reservations are required in advance for the Imperial Palace and Marshal Zhang's Mansion.

Stay: Zhongjie Street · Imperial Palace

Day 2 · Fushun Coal Capital & War Criminals Management Centre

Fushun（Lei Feng Memorial、Fushun West Open-pit Mine、Fushun War Criminals Management Centre）

Drive from Shenyang to Wanghua District in Fushun in about 1 hour. Driving between attractions within the city takes about 20 minutes.

Stay: Xinfu District

Day 3 · Hetu Ala to Huanren

Fushun（Hetu Ala City、Yongling Tomb of the Qing Dynasty） → Huanren

Drive from Fushun via the expressway to Xinbin in about 1.5 hours, and then to Huanren county seat in about 1.5 hours.

Hetu Ala and the Yongling Tombs are only a few kilometers apart and can be visited on the same day.

Stay: Huanren County Town

Day 4 · Wunu Mountain City to Ji'an

Huanren（Wunü Mountain City） → Ji'an (Jilin)

Visit Wunu Mountain in the morning, and take the Benxi-Ji'an Expressway to Ji'an in the afternoon (about 2 hours).

Allow a full half-day for Wunu Mountain. Take the shuttle bus inside the scenic area to go up the mountain.

Stay: Ji'an City Center

Day 5 · Ji'an Goguryeo Royal Tombs

Ji'an (Jilin)（Gwanggaeto Stele、Tomb of King Gwanggaeto、Tomb of the General (Tomb of King Jangsu)、Hwando Mountain City、Ji'an Museum）

The drive from the city center to each archaeological site is within 20 minutes. Enjoy short-distance self-driving throughout the day.

The ruins are scattered. Opening hours and ticketing are subject to local official announcements.

Stay: Ji'an City Center

Day 6 · Upstream Along the Yalu River to Linjiang

Linjiang（Chen Yun's Former Residence & Linjiang Campaign Memorial、Linjiang Yalu River Bridge）

Drive along the riverside highway to Linjiang in about 4.5 hours. There are many winding mountain roads; if there is roadwork on the Ji'an section, detour via the expressway.

Check the road conditions of G331 before departure. Avoid driving on mountain roads at night.

Stay: Linjiang Urban Area

Day 7 · Linjiang to the Western Slope of Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain（Jinjiang Wooden House Village）

Drive from Linjiang via Songjianghe to the Western Slope Resort in about 2.5 hours, visiting Jinjiang Wooden Village along the way.

Stay: International Resort (West Slope)

Day 8 · Heaven Lake from the Western Slope & Return

Changbai Mountain（Changbai Mountain West Slope、Alpine Garden (West Slope)）

Drive from the resort to the Western Slope gate in about 1 hour, take the scenic area shuttle up the mountain, and head to Changbai Mountain West Railway Station in the afternoon.

Changbai Mountain West Station and Changbai Mountain Station are over 100 km apart; double-check your tickets. Confirm one-way car rental drop-off policies in advance.