Changbai Mountain, one of China’s ten most famous mountains, is located in Erdaobaihe Town, Antu County, within Jilin Province, near the northeast border with North Korea. It lies on the northern slope of the Changbai range, 34 kilometers from Changbai Mountain and about 65 kilometers from Shuangmufeng, on the Sino-Korean border. Covering an area of 52.42 square kilometers, Changbai Mountain is a nationally rated AAAAA tourist site and is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a Biosphere Reserve, and one of the world’s best-preserved natural sites.
Historically, Changbai Mountain has always been a sacred part of Chinese territory. Its main peak, named for its vast white volcanic rocks and snow-capped summit, is known as “the first peak on earth, with thousand-year-old snow and ten-thousand-year-old pines.” The region is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and renowned for its “sacred mountains, holy waters, mysterious forests, and miraculous fruits.”
Changbai Mountain’s Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
As the birthplace of the Manchu people, Changbai Mountain holds immense historical and cultural importance. During the Qing Dynasty, it was revered as a “holy land,” and emperors would either travel to Jilin Wula (modern-day Jilin City) to worship or send delegates to pay homage. The mountain, steeped in history and myth, remains a revered and culturally significant destination in China.
For a detailed introduction to Changbai Mountain, please see: Changbai Mountain, China.
➡️ Chinese Name: 吉林省
➡️ Foreign Name: Jilin Province
➡️ Administrative Division Category: Province
➡️ Location: People’s Republic of China
➡️ Geographic Location: Northeastern Region
➡️ Climate: Temperate monsoon climate
➡️ Famous Tourist Attractions: Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, Songhua Lake Scenic Area, Wusong Island
➡️ Airports: Changchun Longjia International Airport, Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport
➡️ Train Stations: Changchun Station, Changchun West Station, Jilin Station, Siping Station, Baicheng Station
Jilin, formerly known as “Jilin Wula,” is a Manchu term meaning “city along the river.” It is the only city in China that shares its name with its province, and it is the second-largest city in Jilin. The Changbai Mountain forests stretch for miles along the Songhua River, where the landscape is teeming with life and roaring wildlife.
In the fertile black soil of Jilin’s plains, agricultural output has exceeded 80 billion kilograms for three consecutive years. This province, historically an industrial base, is transforming into a modernized industrial system. From the snowy peaks of Changbai Mountain in the east to the vast fields of the Songnen Plain in the west, Jilin’s unique landscape is a testament to its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Landmarks and Highlights:
- Changbai Mountain: Rising proudly at 42°N latitude, Changbai Mountain stands as a towering symbol in the eastern part of the province. At its peak lies the renowned Heaven Lake, China’s highest and deepest volcanic crater lake, often shrouded in mist or reflecting brilliant blue waters. Changbai Mountain was officially added to the Global Geoparks Network, enhancing its worldwide reputation.
- Winter Activities at Chagan Lake: Each winter, Chagan Lake hosts an impressive ice fishing event, where fishers carve holes in the ice and use nets to pull in their catch. If you’re lucky enough to meet the chief fisherman, you’ll hear incredible stories about this age-old tradition.
Winter also brings ice and snow sports enthusiasts to Jilin. Popular ski resorts like Changbai Mountain, Beidahu, Lianhuashan, and Jingyuetan offer ample opportunities to glide through soft, powdery snow.
Jilin’s “Two Mountains” conservation concept strengthens its ecological safety by restoring tiger and leopard migration corridors. This harmonious blend of ecological protection and eco-tourism invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of its natural landscapes.
Agricultural Achievements and Specialty Products:
Jilin ranked fourth nationally in grain production in 2023, thanks to techniques like the “Lishu Model” and advancements in agricultural machinery. The province is also home to wild ginseng, the “King of Herbs,” which is now cultivated in various forms such as tonics, skincare products, and capsules. Along with mushrooms and wood ear fungus, Jilin produces culinary delicacies such as kung pao chicken, braised pork in soy sauce, candied hawthorn, and blood sausages—each dish packed with flavor and representative of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Economic Growth and Industrial Strength:
Jilin is home to China’s first automobile group, FAW Group, which continues to innovate in the automotive sector. China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation’s Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. manufactures the intelligent “Fuxing” trains, marking progress in the country’s rail transportation capabilities.
Changguang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., the producer of the “Jilin-1” satellites, currently has 108 satellites in orbit. With advancements in carbon fiber, green energy projects, wind power equipment, and big data, Jilin is accelerating its transition into a hub of high-quality industrial output.
The expansive landscapes, bountiful resources, and thriving industries of Jilin are proof of a province moving forward, setting the pace for the revitalization of China’s Northeast.