Changbaishan Tianchi, Jilin, China

4YNLIM 5:00 PM Jan 1, 2020

Heaven Lake
Heaven lake is very beautiful but it all depends on luck to see it due to the weather of Changbai mountain. Weather is very unpredictable as it can be sunny at one moment and suddenly very cloudy or misty and the lake will be covered and not visible. We were there in mid September and we have a great view of the lake. We heard the next day there was snow at the mountain so the cable car was closed. So it all depends on luck very much. This is my second trip to Changbai mountain to view the heaven lake. My first trip was in the month of May few years ago and it was snowing in the mountain so everything is white and cant get a glimpse of the lake at all.

4CSSNAKEW 5:00 PM Sep 12, 2013

Want to see the Heavenly Lake? That will be up to your luck!
My husband and I went to Changbai Mountain a couple of weeks ago. We were so looking forward to see the Heavenly Lake at the top of the mountain so we tried to climb up from both west side of the mountain (Xi Po) and the north side (Bei Po). However, there are only 25% of travellers who are lucky enough to get to see the breath taking view of the lake and we weren't falling into that racket. However, we still quite enjoyed our experiences in that area and we also want to share a quite few useful tips with everyone since we couldn't find a lot of the information when we were planing our trip so here we go: a) When is actually the best time to go? We were debating quite bit regarding when we should go there during our planing. However, with our personal experiences and after our discussion with the locals, here are some suggestions for you: A lot of locals actually suggest people to come to that area around fall / winter time. It is quite cold, not to mention you will have to deal with the mountain weather, but you will have more opportunities to get to see the lake since it will be windy and less clouds at the top of the mountain. For fall, you will be seeing the leaf colour changing and for winter time, you can enjoy the nice and well developed ski resort in that area. Summer time is nice because the temperature will be cooler compare it with other hot places but it will also come with a lot of rain (especially for this year) and clouds. b) What shall we wear? We have did a lot of research for this question and again, with our own experiences, be aware of the mountain weather. It could be sunny at the bottom of the mountain but as the higher you go, it could get quite cold and wet. We will suggest you to bring some warm clothing especially with waterproof materials. However, there is no need to be dress up as the super professional mountain hikers and you will see why in my next question. c) How is the hike to the top of the mountain and the whole area? Changbai Mountain is a very well developed area for all travellers. You won't be needing serious mountain hiking gears because, you barely need to hike!!! It doesn't matter where you will be enter into the Changbai Mountain, you will be required to take their bus. Their bus will be taking you to the nearest spot of the top and from there, it is all easy hike with some nice made hills and stairs. d) Where shall I Stay? We stayed at the Horizon Resort and unfortunately we couldn't find them here so we would like to write a review. However, I would suggest a lot of travellers to just stay at Wanda Resort area. It is well developed and trust me, with places like that, you don't want to stay in the middle of no where and stuck with the restaurants from your hotel! Well, that's really what I have in the top of my head at the current moment and I hope I can share it with you and also help you in a way ! However, if you have other questions, feel free to contact me here and I would always like to help you with your trip planing !!! Best of the luck! CSSNAKEW