The Changbai Mountain is located in the Northeast China, of which the west slope has preserved precious needle and broad leaf mixed virgin forest. The red pines are the main species of the forest and there are also some other tree species. All sorts of trees display their mien and the whole forest represents the straightforwardness and richness that belongs to the north.
The tall and straight red pines cover the whole hillside and valley, thus the forest is full of the peculiar fragrance of the pines. The sunshine penetrates the huge tree crown and becomes countless silver threads passing through the forests. The ground is covered with thick layer of green moss. No matter the stone or the roots exposed on the earth's surface are all wrapped in this green clothes. What is covered by the plants is the black earth which is peculiar to Northeast China. This kind of earth contains rich humic substance, so it is rather fertile and nourishes all plants of the forest.
Among the thousands upon thousands of red pines, there is a Red Pind King which is more than 480 years old. Its height surpasses 35 meters and its truck is so thick that it needs three persons to circle it around. The most unbelievable is that the Changbai volcano erupted for three times and the crater is not far from this tree. So it is really a miracle for it surviving three disasters.
The network of roots of red pines works well, since it can store large amount of water. The prosperity of the mountain forest mainly attributes to the roots' function of red pines. The red pines have a special tendency: the young trees like the shade; while the grown trees like sunshine, so they can grow very tall to occupy the upper space of the forest.
Besides the red pines, there are also other species like spruce trees, birches and basses. All sorts of plants make the forest have distinct four seasons which displays visitors different colorful scenes: the spring usually arrives late in the northeastern area, the lovely new bud appear on the bare branch of the board leaf; the red pines wear the a dark green winter dress while the jade green new leaf has appeared quietly. In summer, the whole forest is verdant and all plants grow in competition. What is strange is that the forest is pervaded with mist in color of light yellow. When the wind comes, the yellow mist flies and hangs over up in the sky. The end of June is the blossom time of red pines. You can see tens of thousands of red pines flowering at the same time. The yellow mist is actually their pollen. Autumn is the most beautiful season; the needle trees keep in the green as they are in summer while other trees turn to the color of golden yellow, bright red, dark green and silver white. In winter when it snows in large flakes, the forest is dressed in silver and white clothing and the whole world turns into a kingdom of ice and snow.
Entrance Fee:
CNY 125 for the Gate of Northern Slope;
CNY 70 for the Tiger Garden;
CNY 40 for Natural Museum
Best Time to Visit: Jul. to Oct.
Transportation:
A. There are coaches from Yanji to Changbai Mountain at Yanji South Long-distance Bus Station;
B. Visitors can also take long-distance buses to Erdaobaihe Town, and then rent and car or mini bus to Changbai Mountain.
